by the El Reportero staff
Despite months of stalled negotiations, trainer Robert Garcia continues to believe a showdown between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Jaron Ennis will eventually materialize. The obstacle, once again, is money. Garcia insists the matchup carries too much weight to simply fade away and says discussions will continue until both sides agree on financial terms.
From his perspective, neither fighter is interested in discounting what is being billed as a marquee contest. Garcia has repeatedly said Ortiz and Ennis should be compensated at the highest level and has rejected the idea that either side should compromise for a smaller payday. He views the fight as one of the defining matchups of 2026, provided promoters and representatives can bridge the gap.
Not everyone is convinced.
While Ortiz and Ennis are widely respected for their skill, neither currently holds a full world championship. Their résumés, though impressive, lack a deep collection of elite-level victories. Reports that both camps are targeting purses in the eight-figure range have fueled skepticism among fans and analysts alike.
Former world champion Tim Bradley has publicly questioned whether either fighter has earned that level of financial leverage. Strong reputations and interim recognition, he argues, do not automatically justify top-tier paydays.
Ortiz’s most talked-about recent victory came against Israil Madrimov, but it failed to quiet lingering doubts. Madrimov entered the bout after dealing with health issues, and Ortiz struggled to fully control the fight. The win went on the record, yet questions remained afterward.
For Ennis, alternatives appear limited. Without Ortiz across the ring, there is no clear opponent offering the same level of intrigue or commercial appeal.
So the stalemate continues. All parties say they want the fight. All insist the price must reflect its importance. Until someone gives ground, the bout remains stuck in place—highly appealing in theory, but still unrealized in practice.
— With reporting by Eddy Pronishev
