Mirigian said he was never presented with a correct framework beyond a single figure, which he described as well below the extent expected for a fight between two unbeaten contenders of their twenties. He added that a counteroffer was submitted late last 12 months and dismissed without discussion.
Under Ortiz’s agreement with Golden Boy Promotions, Mirigian said the fighter is speculated to be given three opponent options before a bout is finalised. In response to Mirigian, Ennis was the one name recommend. No alternatives followed. The numbers never modified.
That context matters because Jaron Ennis will not be a routine defence or a tune up. Ortiz holds the WBC interim title at 154 kilos and has been positioned as one among the division’s future anchors. Ennis arrives as a recent unified champion from welterweight with a robust fame and leverage of his own. Treating the fight as a take it or leave it proposal was all the time going to steer here.
Golden Boy chairman Oscar De La Hoya said Monday that he was moving on after Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn didn’t respond by an off-the-cuff deadline. Mirigian said deadlines mean nothing when the opposite side has not been engaged directly.
He also disputed claims that a 55 percent to 45 percent split had ever been agreed in writing. Mirigian said his counteroffer was intentionally easy. A hard and fast guarantee for Ortiz. Let the remaining parties divide the upside nevertheless they select.
Other names floated publicly as replacements only underline the difficulty. Sebastian Fundora is tied up with a planned defence. Errol Spence Jnr has not fought since mid 2023. None of that explains why probably the most competitive fight available at 154 kilos stalled on the opening number stage.
The broader business picture only adds tension. Golden Boy’s broadcast future is unclear beyond the subsequent few weeks. Several shows are scheduled without clear long run backing. Against that backdrop, risking friction with Ortiz over a premium fight has left many observers confused.
Mirigian’s position stays unchanged. Ortiz wants the fight. His team is open to talks. The phone, he said, has not rung.
At this point, the obstacle will not be willingness. It’s control.