Tweet
Ennis tried to clear the air around the situation by releasing a statement Saturday on social media. "I saw the rumors on social media just like y'all did as far as the fight with me and Vergil. I was unaware that alleged negotiations were being made on my end. From here on out if it didn't come from me and me only, don't believe it. And I will address if I'm staying at 147 or moving up to 154 at a later date and time."
-
-
Just a few weeks ago in the Karen Chukhadzhian 2 press interviews:
https://www.boxingscene.com/jaron-en...-looms--200089Ennis promoter and Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn alluded that a fight against Ortiz Jnr could be next, perhaps on February 22 in Saudi Arabia.
"I always want to fight the best,” Ennis said regarding a potential fight against Ortiz. “I don't want to fight no bottom-tier guys. When you fight the best, you're going to be better … All they are doing is adding fuel to the fire for my next performance. That's what I need. That's what I want. The next fight is going to be even better. I’m not even worried about it." -
hes basically saying ortiz is trashComment
-
Now add in Hearn saying that the original offer was for a fight at 147.
They lined up a replacement for Ortiz awfully quick.
My gut feeling is that Hearn is telling the truth. Turki may put on good bouts, but he's shady in a way. I don't trust him.Comment
-
At the end of the day after all is said by the press, social media, youtubers, promoters, commentators, it's still Ennis' decision whether he wants the fight or not. What he said, they said, she said no longer matter. Plenty of time to negotiate, nothing is final until contracts are signed. It's understandable Ennis fans try to shift the blame on somebody else other than their fighter.Comment
-
Tell you what, Boots... Fight someone with a pulse next, and I will give you the benefit of the doubt on this one.Comment
-
That's nonsense. Not even how it works. He just fought his mandatory. He's eligible to fight a voluntary fight, just would have to petition the IBF and pay the sanctioning fees. He wouldn't have to consider vacating his title unless he won the fight and then they'd ask him to choose if he wants to keep competing in the 154lb division or not. It's not even a believable lie from Eddie because it's right there in the rules:
"5.I. Non-Championship Contests
Nothing in these Rules shall be considered to prohibit a Champion from engaging in an over the weight limit non-championship or non-title contest so long as he shall otherwise be in full compliance with all other applicable requirements of these Rules. Any and all bouts shall be concluded at least sixty (60) days prior to the date the Champion's mandatory is due."
He just completed his mandatory. Next one isn't due for 9 months. He's allowed to compete in an over 147 non title bout. Period.
If he truly didn't get informed about the possibility of the bout, Eddie is a terrible promoter and Ennis is an idiot. Otherwise, this is a flat duck. Not to mention, the whole boxing world knows Ortiz Jr nearly died from trying to make 147 and won't ever fight at that weight again. There's zero chance they'd send a contract for 147. Much higher chance that Ennis got cold feet, asked Eddie to make the fight at a weight they know Ortiz can't make so they'd have an excuse to bow out.Comment
-
Ennis has been asked about Ortiz a thousand times in the last few years and expressed approval for the fight. Even when Ortiz had moved up Ennis was still saying he's amenable for the fight. Meaning, the fight has been looming on the horizon for ages. He had to anticipate the fight finally being worked out at 154. Otherwise, he's lying.Comment
Comment