Coach Robert Garcia suggests that a hypothetical Vergil Ortiz Jr. versus Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis contest transcends being merely the top fight at 154 pounds, labeling it the “most significant boxing match” conceivable, even without major championship belts at stake, only featuring interim titles.
Consequences of Consecutive Intense Battles
WBC interim titleholder Vergil Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs) still has to secure a victory in his upcoming bout against Erickson Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs) scheduled for November 8, 2025, at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Trainer Robert Garcia’s presumption that Ortiz Jr., 27, will emerge victorious could be misguided, particularly considering the closely contested nature of his previous two encounters with Israil Madrimov and Serhii Bohachuk.
Vergil Jr. endured significant punishment in both those matches, exhibiting physical signs of damage akin to a defeated fighter, evidenced by the bruises and swelling he sustained. A loss to Erickson on November 8th would not be entirely unexpected.
Vergil absorbed an extensive amount of damage equivalent to a career’s worth in those back-to-back clashes and arguably suffered a defeat at the hands of Bohachuk during their fight on August 10, 2024. Ortiz Jr. was knocked down twice during that contest and benefited from a controversial decision. Subsequently, he opted not to grant Bohachuk a rematch.
Pride Over Prizes
“That’s the most prominent fight in boxing that doesn’t involve major belts,” trainer Robert Garcia conveyed to Fight Hub TV, referring to a potential Jaron Ennis versus Vergil Ortiz Jr. matchup. “I was questioned about why we’re not pursuing a fight against Bakhram [Murtazaliev]? I explained that Vergil has experienced prior health concerns, which are widely known. As a result, he can’t manage the 10-lb weight gain the following day. It’s unfeasible for Vergil,” Robert articulated regarding Ortiz Jr.’s inability to challenge IBF 154-lb champion Bakhram Murtazaliev.
Jeepers’ Perspective: The True Blockbuster
While Ennis-Ortiz Jr. is an intriguing prospect, it scarcely qualifies as the “most significant” in the sport. A more compelling fight within the 154-pound division would pit ‘Boots’ against Sebastian Fundora. Such a matchup possesses crossover appeal, engaging fans across the nation. Fundora has Mexican heritage through both his Cuban father and Mexican mother.
‘The Towering Inferno’ Fundora is currently performing at a considerably higher level than Vergil Jr. A showdown between him and ‘Boots’ Ennis would likely generate substantial PPV sales on DAZN.
“Attempting to pressure him into it could potentially be detrimental to Vergil’s well-being. Therefore, we are pursuing the most significant fight available. That would be ‘Boots.’ Belts are not a prerequisite. They can compete for interim titles, and the fight will be massive,” Robert commented regarding Ennis and Vergil Jr., both holders of interim championships at 154 pounds.
Jeepers Isaac has been reporting on boxing since 2020, providing readers with acute ringside observations and relevant analysis on the sport’s defining moments.
