Jaron Ennis issues fierce warning to Vergil Ortiz Jr ahead of expected 2026 showdown

On November 8 at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX, Vergil Ortiz Jr retained his WBC interim super welterweight title, stopping Erickson Lubin in round two, to potentially set up a huge clash in 2026 with Jaron Ennis.

Following Ortiz’s win, he and Ennis faced off in the ring and exchanged some words before verbally agreeing to the fight, with “Boots” issuing a fierce warning to his rival.

Vergil Ortiz Jr retains title and faces off with Jaron Ennis

It was a bright start from Ortiz (24-0, 22 KOs), who immediately began on the front foot, but Lubin seemed content to pick his shots and move. However, by the end of the round, Ortiz had Lubin against the ropes and began to land some telling punches. It already felt ominous for “The Hammer.”

The discovery process was over for Ortiz as he soon trapped Lubin against the ropes in round two. A right to the head hurt Lubin, and Ortiz soon followed that up with a barrage of hurtful punches, with Lubin against the ropes but out on his feet, the referee jumped in to wave off the fight.

Following Ortiz’s impressive win over Lubin, he spoke in the ring to Chris Mannix and said:

“I’m in my prime. I’ll only be better from here.”

He then waved Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) over for a face-off and said to his rival: “Do you got a yes for me.” 

Ennis responded quickly: “Yes.”

The Philadelphia fighter said: “It’s the best fight in boxing,” Ennis told Mannix. “He done a great job. He looked good. But I’m going to show the world why I’m the best in the world. 

“I’m going to back it up and show the world why I’m the best in the world.”

Both then proceeded to blame each other’s teams for words said, before Ennis fired a warning to his rival:

“I’m going to make you pay for everything they said.”

Robert Garcia questions the desire of Ennis to face Ortiz

The comments from Ennis about making Ortiz pay likely stem from recent comments made by Robert Garcia:

“Boots doesn’t want to fight Vergil. Boots is not going to fight Vergil next. You know, whatever they say, ‘oh, there’s a signed contract ready,’ that’s all b*******,” said Garcia.

Despite Garcia’s recent comments, it appears Jaron “Boots” Ennis vs Vergil Ortiz Jr is closer than ever. After the face-off and subsequent words from both, there is really no excuse for this fight not to be made. It’s a testament to both and their talent that this fight will be huge, even with no world title at stake.