Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN have signed an extension to their broadcast arrangement, according to a new report, and it will have immediate ramifications for Vergil Ortiz’s situation.
The super welterweight and broader pound-for-pound boxing contender Ortiz’s stock had arguably never been higher than when he obliterated Erickson Lubin by way of first-round knockout to get the new year off with a bang early in 2026.
However, a legal dispute with Golden Boy and Oscar de la Hoya complicated the fighter’s involvement in a big Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis bout — effectively shelving the 154-pounder.
Ortiz even said his time with the Los Angeles-based promotional outfit was “done”, earlier this year.
Perhaps, until, now.
According to a development reported by FightsATW editor Abe Gonzalez, Golden Boy has penned a “non-exclusive” extension with DAZN, adding that it “will be officially announced in the coming days.”
The arrangement has a direct impact on Ortiz and his dispute with the promoter because, previously, the fighter via his legal team argued he could leave Golden Boy because its DAZN deal was finished.
Golden Boy countered that a relationship still existed even though they were yet to formally agree a continuation of sorts regarding the contract.
A judge had sided, albeit temporarily, with Golden Boy, sending it to arbitration and putting a temporary hold on Vergil and his manager Rick Mirigian being able to negotiate elsewhere — like a three-fight deal with Matchroom possibly worth $20 million.
If a new deal between Golden Boy and DAZN is announced in the upcoming days, then Ortiz may well be stuck contractually. The DAZN deal, effectively, helps Golden Boy’s case more than Ortiz’s, and makes it harder for Vergil to leave.
Could This Rekindle Boots vs Ortiz?
Any agreement could possibly help rekindle the Ennis vs Ortiz fight, though it would have to be under Golden Boy’s remit as much as Matchroom’s, as a co-promotion DAZN will air — possibly its most significant contribution to the American market to date.
Had Golden Boy ended up with, say, Prime Video alongside Premier Boxing Champions, it could have only complicated the fight as it would take de la Hoya’s firm away from DAZN (and Matchroom).
Arbitration is still relevant.
Ennis also said eight days ago “it’s time to move on” to suggest he and his team were looking at a title shot against Xander Zayas, which the fighter seems open to.
It remains to be seen if the fight could take place after.
READ MORE:
