Vergil Ortiz’s Manager Responds to Oscar De La Hoya’s Criticism: “I’m Undefeated in My Position”

The conflict between the team of WBC interim super welterweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. and the promotional company Golden Boy is gaining momentum. The boxer's manager, Rick Mirigian, recorded an extensive video message to Oscar De La Hoya, reacting to accusations of sabotaging negotiations and the legal lawsuit.

Rick Mirigian responded to the words of the boxer's promoter, Oscar De La Hoya. It previously became known that Ortiz wants to terminate his agreement with Golden Boy Promotions, partly because negotiations for a bout against IBF interim champion Jaron Ennis have stalled.

This sparked an internal conflict within Vergil's team. De La Hoya claimed they were withdrawing from talks because the opponent's team refused a 60/40 purse split in favor of Ortiz. Mirigian insisted that negotiations should continue and that he is the one responsible for the terms.

In response to Oscar's sharp criticism, Rick Mirigian emphasized his professional competence and called on De La Hoya to read the contracts more carefully:

“Good video, Oscar. I liked it. Oscar, listen, I’m not Bill Haney. I’m not these other people you get into conflicts with, where everything boils down to nasty talk and insults directed at you. I actually respect you very much. I think you’ve done a lot of good things for boxing, for fighters, and for the sport in general. And you’re right, Oscar, we were all happy, we stayed happy until things changed. Why are people unhappy? In life, it's not hard to understand. Communication in relationships, in business, in personal life — it’s all communication, Oscar. And when communication breaks down, and you stop, that’s usually when problems arise. I didn’t do anything wrong, and you know that.

But it’s okay. As I’ve said, I will never say a single negative word about you. I will never belittle you. Nothing like that. So have fun with your 'Clapback Thursdays.' And just look: this is not a boxing ring where you’re going to beat the [expletive] out of me until I stop seeing clearly and probably kill me. We are not in a boxing ring. In my position, I’m undefeated. Go look at my resume and find when I’ve lost, because I’ve gone to war or protected my fighter only when I had no choice.

You know, I called you and sent you messages. We are grown men. We should just talk everything through. That’s what adults do. Instead of destroying all these people in the market you do business with and jeopardizing the welfare of your fighters by speaking about them all so despicably. You should stop and think about where this leads. You could buy and sell almost every person you contact, including me, probably a thousand times over, but that’s not what we’re discussing now. You don’t need boxing. You don’t need it. Boxing is a huge headache for you. And that’s why I respect you so much, because you do a lot of good. But in this case, if you’re not blind, deaf, or mute and you can read, it’s very simple. Read the complaint, read the promotional agreement, read the clauses that were breached. It’s ridiculous to say that I can’t negotiate and that I’m the manager when these clear clauses exist. That’s what managers are for.

And listen, I know your life has been different. Many people took advantage of you. You don’t trust people. From the very beginning, there was chaos. And if I were your manager, you probably wouldn’t have these problems. But I understand. I understand. And if you had called me the way I called and messaged you, just to talk, I would have always answered. But at some point, you have to take responsibility. It’s like a road. When you’re on the asphalt and it’s bumpy — it’s your own asphalt. So do what you think is necessary. Make more funny videos, put everything on the line, or you can always call me. As I said, only respect for you. You are actually my favorite fighter, and it’s no secret. I’ve spoken about it publicly. I’ve spoken highly of you and always will. This is just business.

So that same judge you’re talking about — please, go to him. I can’t wait to hear what he says. I’m not worried at all. And I never will be, because I act with the best intentions for these fighters. And you are a fighter and should respect that. And finally: I didn’t hire a new lawyer. This guy is the same lawyer who drafted Vergil’s contract three years ago. I didn’t bring him in to be a villain or anything like that. I took him because he’s very professional and knows his stuff, just like I do. But I wish you only the best. I sincerely mean that. And I will pray for you tonight. And again, you have a great company, a great staff, I’m serious. Very good people work at Golden Boy. Without a doubt. But I have a job to do, and you should respect that. You may disagree with me, and that’s fine. But this disrespect you show everyone — karma is a thing... God doesn’t like that. Just slow down. And again, at any moment you want to talk to me, I’m here,” Mirigian said.

Both Ortiz and Ennis had previously agreed to the clash in the ring after Vergil's victory over Erickson Lubin. However, since then, no agreement has been reached, and both camps are rushing to ensure the fighters do not remain out of the ring for too long.