De La Hoya on Ortiz’s lawsuit: “I was just trying to get my fighter more money”

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya has responded to a lawsuit filed against Golden Boy Promotions by his fighter, interim WBC super welterweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. The 27-year-old American accuses Golden Boy of breach of contract and interference with his earnings during negotiations for a fight with interim WBA super welterweight titleholder Jaron Ennis.

“Yesterday we sent a letter to Vergil’s manager — Rick Mirigian — demanding that he stop interfering in the negotiations for the Boots–Vergil fight. And of course, this morning we wake up and here it is — a lawsuit from Vergil Ortiz saying he wants out of his contract with Golden Boy.

So this is the same Vergil who just two months ago told The Ring magazine that he couldn’t be happier at Golden Boy. What’s happened since then? Vergil’s team hired a new lawyer — the same one who represents Canelo. The same guy who went to court to get Canelo out of his contract with Golden Boy. That doesn’t strike you as suspicious?

But all of this is Rick Mirigian’s agenda. I was just trying to get my fighter more money. A 60–40 split. I believe he deserves that. And that’s why you want out of the contract. That only confirms your intentions, Rick.

Look, Vergil and his father are genuinely good people who don’t deserve to be stuck in the middle of Rick’s bullshit. Vergil just wants to fight and stay out of all this drama, because I know him. He’s a fighter.

And if the Saudis want to buy this fight — trust me, they’ll buy it. I just made a deal with them for Ryan Garcia vs. Barrios next month. They don’t pick a favorite promoter. They pick the best fights that can be made.

And you know, it’s frustrating that in America anyone can file a lawsuit without grounds or facts — just for the optics. But that’s exactly what’s happening here.

And anyone who interferes with our valid contract with Vergil Ortiz Jr. is going to face tough action from us. He is not a free agent, and we will prove that.

And by the way, if you hate being called out, then you’re probably the one who’s the topic of the week — and you are the problem in boxing. Have a nice day,” De La Hoya said.