Ortiz has been promoted by Golden Boy since he became a professional in 2016. The company used a three-year extension to his deal until May 2024. Ortiz’s lawyers are now arguing to cancel the agreement after Golden Boy’s deal with DAZN on December 31.
Golden Boy disputes that statement, saying that a new DAZN agreement is being negotiated for 2026 and 2027 and therefore the promotion rights remain. Ortiz’s lawyer, Gregory M. Smith, confirms that a negotiated agreement does not preserve exclusivity under the terms of the contract.
Smith’s file, a 32-page document found by The Ringarguing that the ability to acquire Ortiz is greatly affected by Golden Boy’s inability to work in good faith with other promoters, a requirement written into the promotional rights agreement. The lawsuit alleges Ortiz was forced to accept a one-way deal for Ennis or face the bench, despite the language calling for more choices by the opponent.
The complaint also says that Golden Boy negotiated the terms of the fight with Ennis’ promoter, Matchroom Boxing, and DAZN without Ortiz’s knowledge, and failed to disclose written agreements regarding the fight, another allegation of breach of contract.
The file emphasizes the behavior of Oscar De La Hoya, who describes the close relations with the competing promoters and Saudi fighter financier Turki Alalshikh as things that undermined Ortiz’s ability to secure a Saudi-backed event. Smith said De La Hoya’s public attacks on Alalshikh and Zuffa Boxing were actions that diminished Ortiz’s career opportunities at a critical time.
According to the lawsuit, DAZN executives told Ortiz’s team that Ennis was the only other acceptable opponent. Both fighters currently hold the interim titles at 154 pounds, and the fight is widely seen as one of the most promising trades available for 2026.
Smith previously represented Canelo Alvarez in his successful bid to get out of contracts with Golden Boy and DAZN in 2020.
Golden Boy has not publicly responded to the content of the complaint. Ortiz’s filing leaves some ambiguity. He no longer believes that the fight he wants can happen while he is sitting there.