Jaron Ennis: “No More Talking, Sign the Papers”

Jaron “Boots” Ennis didn’t travel to Texas to sightsee he flew to Fort Worth with one purpose: to confront Vergil Ortiz Jr. face-to-face after Ortiz’s statement victory over Erickson Lubin.

The Philadelphia native made his intentions crystal clear when the two unbeaten stars met in the ring moments after Ortiz’s knockout win. Ennis, who recently moved up to the 154-pound division, told The Ring that the time for talking is over.

“It’s no more talking,” Ennis said. “Hopefully, they sign them papers and make this fight happen, cuz I feel like this is the biggest fight in boxing. And like I said, I’m about to show the world why I’m the best in the world.”

Timing Perfect for a Long-Awaited Collision

The timing couldn’t be better for one of the sport’s most anticipated matchups. Ortiz (24-0, 22 KOs), The Ring’s No. 1 junior middleweight contender, has surged into prime form with five straight stoppages since moving up in weight. Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs, 1 NC), the former Ring, IBF, and WBA welterweight champion, decided earlier this year that cutting down to 147 was no longer sustainable and debuted impressively at 154.

For years, fight fans have circled this matchup as inevitable two young knockout artists destined to collide. Now, with both fighters in their late 20s and carrying legitimate star power, the moment has finally arrived.

Ortiz’s Camp Keeps Options Open

Despite Ennis’s public challenge, Ortiz and his team aren’t committing just yet. During his post-fight press conference, the Dallas native floated the names Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. as possible alternatives.

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya added that any agreement must “favor Ortiz because he’s the champion.” While both fighters hold interim belts Ortiz with the WBC and Ennis with the WBA the stakes go beyond titles. This is a fight for generational supremacy.

Ortiz’s manager, Rick Mirigian, even proposed an ambitious doubleheader: Ortiz vs. Spence and Ennis vs. Jermell Charlo at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Both Spence and Charlo were in attendance for Ortiz’s win over Lubin, sparking speculation of a massive all-Texas event.

Still, Ennis isn’t entertaining backup plans.

“The time is now,” he said. “We’re both in our primes. Everybody wanna see it. I’m about to shut all the haters up. It’s time to have fun, man I’m about to take over this division, straight like that.”

Vegas or MSG — Ennis Says It Doesn’t Matter

Though Ortiz remains a major draw in the Dallas area, Ennis understands the fight will likely take place on neutral ground.

“This fight probably will take place in like Vegas or MSG,” Ennis said. “You know, MSG would be crazy that’s a staple. Or Vegas, T-Mobile Arena. It don’t matter where this joint at. I just want them to sign that paper and make this fight happen.”

The Fight Boxing Needs Right Now

The potential showdown between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Jaron Ennis represents everything boxing fans crave — youth, power, skill, and pride. It’s a throwback to when the best fought the best, without promotional politics or extended delays.

If finalized, Ortiz vs. Ennis could be the sport’s first true “must-watch” event of 2026 a matchup with no belts required and no excuses left.

“I’m ready,” Ennis said. “Like I said, I’m ready to shut everybody up. The time is now.”

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Robert LaMar is a writer  for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26