Ortiz – Ennis: the megafight between the two champions will not take place. Who is the culprit?

Boxing authority Dan Raphael has revealed that one of the most intriguing fights of 2025 will not take place. In February, the IBF welterweight champion (up to 66.7 kg) was supposed to meet in the ring Jaron Ennis (33–0, 29 KOs, USA) and holder of the interim WBC middleweight title Virgil Ortiz (22–0, 21 KOs, USA).

Sources report that the cause of the breakdown is Ennis – allegedly he did not want to move up to the middleweight division, where his potential opponent fights.

“The parties agreed on a fight that was to take place on February 22 at a big boxing night in Saudi Arabia. The fight was called off for an unknown reason, but Ennis refused to face Ortiz. Currently, the search for a new opponent for Virgil is underway,” the organizers said.

The name of Virgil Ortiz’s next opponent is currently unknown. Undefeated boxer from Puerto Rico Xander Zayas (20–0, 12 KOs) is being considered as one of the candidates.

Puerto Rican 🇵🇷 Sensation Junior Middleweight Contender Xander Zayas 20-0-12 KO’s has answered the call 📞 and will fight Mexican 🇲🇽 Vergil Ortiz Jr in Replacement of Jaron Boots Ennis. The Ball is in Team Ortiz to make it happen. #ortizzayas #goldenboyboxing #toprankboxing pic.twitter.com/pWlng2atgB

— Fight Hook News (@fighthooknews) December 1, 2024