Matchroom and GBP are in advanced stages negotiating for Q4. There have been multiple previous attempts to get the fight made but this is the first time both camps have gotten as far as sitting down to hash it out. Turki Alalshikh had previously mentioned adding it to a supercard in November, but that fell through and he no longer appears to be involved. Eddie Hearn plans to have Jaron Ennis debut at 154lbs in August for a tune-up ahead of challenging Ortíz for the WBC interim super welterweight title around early October. Ennis will consequently be vacating the WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine welterweight titles. Both men have fought once so far in 2025. Ennis stopped Eimantas Stanionis in April, while Ortíz defeated Israil Madrimov by UD in February. Tale of the tape: Ortíz 5'10" tall, 70" reach. 27 years old. 23-0 with 21 knockouts. (91%) Ennis 5'10" tall, 74" reach. 28 years old. 34-0 with 30 knockouts. (88%) They have one common professional opponent: Thomas "El Francés" Dulorme Cordero - lost via KO1 against Ennis in 2021, and ost via KO1 against Ortíz in 2024. ...and one common opponent in the amateurs: Richardson Hitchins - lost to Jaron Ennis in 2015, and to Vergil Ortíz in 2016.
This doesnt even make remote sense. A tuneup in August for a turnaround fight in October? What is this, 1950? Not happening.
I think it's a great match up but I was more excited about this fight three years ago than I am now. The defensive flaws Ennis has shown against lesser fighters and Ortiz Jr's struggles, albeit in winning efforts, against Bohachuk and Madrimov have knocked a bit of luster off of both men. That being said, it's a fight I wouldn't miss for anything.
Well, it's Eddie, so. There was probably a thick cloud of white dust in the air when he said all this.
I think Ortiz will stop him. Ennis has good skills but he mainly relies on a huge size advantage over his opponents. Ortiz has proven that he is one of the top dogs at 154 I think he will give Ennis a beat down.
Christ, Ortiz's parent must be straight up savages. I mean, named you kid a nerdy name like Vergil is cruel. But to toss in something as repulsive sounding as Efrain as his middle name, is like the a cherry on top of a sadistic **** You Sundae. Vergil ravages and KO's any version of Bunny Rabbit Slippers Ennis.
I reserve the right to make a final prediction after I've seen Ennis' debut at 154lbs, but my initial reaction is that he wins by decision.
Assuming Ennis is still as explosive as he was at 147 he'll definitely be a dangerous fight for Ortiz, and vice versa. This is a 50/50 match up and should be an exciting one.
