Ortiz-Ennis Fight Talks Stall Over Purse Split

Negotiations for a highly anticipated super welterweight clash between undefeated contenders Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Jaron "Boots" Ennis have stalled amid a public dispute over purse terms between their promoters, Oscar De La Hoya and Eddie Hearn. The back-and-forth, which intensified this week, centers on a proposed 60-40 split favoring Ortiz, with De La Hoya issuing an ultimatum for Hearn to accept or face alternative matchups for his fighter.

De La Hoya, who promotes Ortiz through Golden Boy Promotions, outlined his position in a video message and social media post. He proposed the 60-40 purse division for Ortiz, plus a five percent bonus to the winner, and gave Hearn one day to respond. "Vergil can fight two or three different guys in megafights. He's got options," De La Hoya said. "Imagine him with Errol Spence at Dallas Cowboys Stadium, or Sebastian Fundora in a megafight in Vegas. Boots is part of the plan, but it doesn't have to be next." He accused Hearn of desperation in pushing for the bout and criticized promoters who limit their fighters to single opponents, arguing it weakens negotiating leverage and costs earnings. De La Hoya also vowed to pursue legal action...