Hearn on Ennis vs Ortiz Failure: “We Were Told It Could Be At 147”

Eddie Hearn Eyeing Jaron Ennis Unification If No Ortiz Fight

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has come out talking up a unification for IBF welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis (33-0, 29KO). This comes paired with an explanation of why a fight with junior middleweight Vergil Ortiz Jr. (22-0, 21KO) may not come to pass.

The boxing world is shaking its head once again. After hearing Agit Kabayel and Zhieli Zhang ducked Martin Bakole for the IBF title eliminator, boxing fans have been gut-punched with another blow as Boots vs Ortiz is no longer in play for February 2025.

Ortiz Jr took to social media to remove himself from any blame. Ennis also took to social media, claiming he was unaware of negotiations on his behalf.

IT WAS STILL A POOR DECISION

The biggest issue was due to weight, which is perplexing, considering Ennis claims a move to junior middleweight was on the table. Nonetheless, reports surfaced that Team Ennis wanted the fight to take place for Boot’s welterweight title.

Boxing fans remember how badly Ortiz suffered trying to make the welterweight limit. So it begs the question, why on earth would that even be part of the decision?

While speaking with Fight Hub TV, Hearn revealed why they offered to fight at welterweight.

“When we initially talked about the Ortiz fight, we were told it could be at 147. We don’t have a problem moving to 54. But, when we do it, we’ll probably lose our championship. So, at the same time, if it’s not Ortiz, it has to be a unification.”

Even if someone at Golden Boy told him the fight could happen at welterweight, Hearn should have known it wasn’t possible to make it. In this author’s opinion, it’s an easy fix. All they need to do is contact the IBF, ask for an exemption then fight Ortiz at 154 pounds.

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