Ennis and Ortiz Reportedly Closing in on Fight Agreement

The two top super welterweights are optimistic about finalizing a bout in the next week for April in Las Vegas.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Jaron 'Boots' Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jr., two of the best super welterweight boxers, are reportedly nearing an agreement to fight each other in April in Las Vegas. Despite previous setbacks in negotiations and Ortiz's ongoing lawsuit against his promoter, there is now 'optimism' that the two sides will reach a deal within the next week, according to insider Mike Coppinger.

Why it matters

Ennis and Ortiz have been circling each other for years, and their matchup is widely seen as one of the best potential fights at 154 pounds. With the super welterweight division heating up in early 2026, a win for either fighter would position them as a major star in the sport.

The details

Ennis and Ortiz have both moved up from welterweight, with Ennis claiming the vacant WBA interim super welterweight title in his debut at 154 pounds. Ortiz has held the WBC interim 154-pound title since 2024. Despite previous back-and-forth accusations of ducking the fight, the two sides are now reportedly close to finalizing the matchup for April in Las Vegas.

  • Ennis made his 154-pound debut in October 2025 with a first-round TKO win.
  • Ortiz has held the WBC interim 154-pound title since August 2024.
  • The fight is targeted for April 2026 in Las Vegas.

The players

Jaron 'Boots' Ennis

A former IBF welterweight champion who recently moved up to super welterweight and claimed the vacant WBA interim title in his debut at 154 pounds.

Vergil Ortiz Jr.

The WBC interim 154-pound champion who has been one of the top super welterweights since moving up from welterweight in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“Jaron 'Boots' Ennis vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr. is being targeted for April in Las Vegas and could be finalized this week, sources tell @ringmagazine. Lots of optimism on both sides a deal within reach for the best fight at 154 pounds.”

— Mike Coppinger, Ring Magazine insider (Twitter)

What’s next

If Ennis and Ortiz reach an agreement in the next week, the fight would likely be finalized for an April 2026 date in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

This potential matchup between two of the top super welterweights in the sport has been highly anticipated for years, and its finalization would be a major event in the division as the 154-pound landscape continues to evolve in 2026.