Golden Boy Promotions founder Oscar De La Hoya reached out to Turki Alalshikh, head of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, suggesting a bout between IBF welterweight champion Jaron Ennis (33-0, 29 KOs) and WBC interim super welterweight champion Vergil Ortiz (22-0, 21 KOs).
"A 5 vs. 5: Golden Boy vs. Matchroom Boxing. Main event – Ortiz vs. Ennis.
May 5. Ortiz – Ennis, Zepeda – Shakur, Munguia – Pacheco, Duarte – Haney, winner of Ramirez vs. Barboza against Catterall," De La Hoya wrote on Twitter.
Matchroom head Eddie Hearn, representing Ennis, shared his thoughts on the potential megafight:
"It all depends on finances and our strategic plans, as well as whether we want to stay in the welterweight division. Ennis fought Chukhadzhian with the aim of unifying belts in welterweight. We’ll look into the possibility of a fight with Vergil and any financial offers. Winning in Riyadh against someone like Vergil would elevate Jaron's status to a new level, which is very tempting. This is one of the best matchups not only in the division but in all of boxing," Hearn commented at a press conference after Ennis' fight with Karen Chukhadzhian.
Vergil Ortiz’s trainer, Robert Garcia, reacted to the rumors, promising Ennis a warm welcome if he moves up to super welterweight:
"Ennis put on a remarkable performance tonight. Chukhadzhian is a tough opponent, a durable guy, and they’ve now gone 12 rounds twice. It’s valuable experience for both. Ennis is getting better, and this fight raised him to a new level. The rumors of a fight between Ortiz and Ennis are just that—rumors. We’ve only heard about it too. No negotiations have taken place. But if Jaron decides to move up to super welterweight, Vergil and I will be happy to meet him there," Garcia told Fight Hub TV.
In the early hours of November 10, Jaron Ennis defeated Karen Chukhadzhian by unanimous decision.
In August, Vergil Ortiz won by majority decision against Serhii Bohachuk.