DAZN Pushes for Vergil Ortiz vs Jaron Ennis Bout

Streaming platform demands high-stakes junior-middleweight matchup, signaling shift in boxing promotion

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:19am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and intensity of a boxing match between two undefeated fighters, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.DAZN's push for the Ortiz-Ennis fight could reshape the future of boxing's broadcasting and promotion strategies.Philadelphia Today

DAZN is insisting on a fight between undefeated boxers Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Jaron 'Boots' Ennis, a move that could mark a significant shift in the sport's approach to broadcasting and promotion. The streaming platform is pushing for this highly anticipated junior-middleweight bout, and the upcoming negotiations could set a precedent for the industry.

Why it matters

In the past, boxing broadcasters have often prioritized 'stay busy' fights over the most exciting matchups. But DAZN is taking a different approach, demanding that Ortiz's promoter Oscar De La Hoya and Ennis' promoter Eddie Hearn strike a deal. This could be a turning point for the sport, as DAZN seeks to give fans the fights they want to see.

The details

The fight itself, though not for a full title, is a highly anticipated showdown between two undefeated fighters: Vergil Ortiz Jr. (24-0, 22 KOs) and Jaron 'Boots' Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs). The two have already shown their interest in each other, with Ennis knocking out Uisma Lima in Philadelphia and Ortiz defeating Erickson Lubin in Texas. The mutual interest is clear, and the fight could be a major draw.

  • The likely date for the fight is early spring in Las Vegas.
  • Ennis knocked out Uisma Lima in Philadelphia.
  • Ortiz defeated Erickson Lubin in Texas.

The players

Vergil Ortiz Jr.

An undefeated boxer with a 24-0 record and 22 knockouts, promoted by Oscar De La Hoya.

Jaron 'Boots' Ennis

An undefeated boxer with a 35-0 record and 31 knockouts, promoted by Eddie Hearn.

Oscar De La Hoya

The promoter of Vergil Ortiz Jr.

Eddie Hearn

The promoter of Jaron 'Boots' Ennis and the co-founder of DAZN.

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What they’re saying

“Ennis is committed to the Ortiz fight.”

— Eddie Hearn, Promoter

What’s next

The upcoming negotiations between De La Hoya and Hearn could set a precedent for the industry and determine if the Ortiz-Ennis fight will come to fruition.

The takeaway

DAZN's insistence on the Ortiz-Ennis fight is a game-changer for boxing, marking a necessary shift in the sport's approach to broadcasting and promotion. The streaming platform is taking a stand to give fans the fights they want to see, which could be the catalyst for a new era in the sport.