According to Tim Bradley, Golden Boy Promotions doesn’t believe a bout between their boxer, Vergil Ortiz Jr., and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is worthwhile. Their perspective is that they don’t want Ortiz Jr. (24-0, 22 KOs) to suffer a defeat against Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) for the financial compensation that would be involved at this moment.
Bradley anticipates that Golden Boy will postpone seriously considering a match against ‘Boots’ Ennis until Vergil Jr. has accumulated substantial earnings by competing against former world champions Errol Spence and Jermell Charlo, who are currently less active and aging.
Vergil Jr., at age 27, showcased his abilities by defeating #4 WBC 154-lb contender Erickson Lubin in the second round on Saturday night, November 8th, at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. The expectation was for a closely contested fight, but Ortiz Jr. cornered Lubin against the ropes in the second round and unleashed a barrage of punches until the referee intervened to stop the fight.
The referee’s decision was justified, as Erickson was visibly unsteady and unable to adequately defend himself at that point.
“It’s a challenging fight, but the financial incentives need to be significant. If both fighters secure a title and then compete for another title, then we’re getting somewhere,” Tim Bradley commented on his channel regarding a potential clash between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter for WBA interim 154-lb champion Ennis, should arrange for him to face WBA champion Abass Baraou for the undisputed title. Ennis currently holds the interim title. Winning the full title would provide Ennis with a significant credential that he might need to convince fighters like Vergil Jr. to agree to a fight.
“This is primarily a business decision for Vergil and his team. I understand what the fans desire, and I also want the fight to happen. I’m conveying their [Team Ortiz Jr.] viewpoint. They’re essentially saying, ‘Why risk my fighter losing now? We still have some lucrative and engaging fights available that can generate substantial revenue.’ This reflects De La Hoya’s mindset,” Bradley stated.
“’We could consider ‘Boots,’ but we previously offered him an opportunity, and he declined it. So, now he’ll have to wait for us.’ If you wish to label him [Vergil Jr.] a duck, feel free. He’ll be laughing all the way to the bank after defeating Spence and [Jermell] Charlo,” Bradley added.
