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The setup: Ortiz–Lubin, with Ennis ringside Ortiz (23-0, 21 KOs) returns against Lubin with Ennis and promoter Eddie Hearn expected ringside to push talks for an early-2026 showdown if Ortiz takes care of business. The matchup would pit two of America’s most explosive super welterweights in a genuine domestic super-fight. Ortiz’s critique of Ennis’ 154 move Vergil Ortiz also questioned Ennis’ path since unifying welterweight titles and moving to 154. “Jaron Ennis got a world title at 147… good for him. He has a lot of momentum. If I had that much momentum I would have gone straight to the big fight at 154,” Ortiz said, noting Ennis’ first-round KO of Uisma Lima last month instead of an immediate Ortiz pairing. The backstory: accusations and “ducking” talk The pair’s feud reignited after Ennis blasted Lima. Ortiz who notched a signature win over former 154-lb champion Israil Madrimov in February pushed back on past claims he avoided Ennis at 147. “When it was time to say ‘yes’ to fight, I was the only one who said ‘yes’. A lot of people were saying I was ducking at 147 when there was no fight being offered.” What’s next Saturday: Ortiz vs. Lubin on DAZN in Fort Worth. Target: If Ortiz wins, negotiations intensify for Ennis vs. Ortiz in 2026. Variables: Network/streaming alignment, site fee (Saudi/U.S.), sanctioning-body timelines at 154, and purse split. Ennis–Ortiz is a stylistic thunderclap: elite timing and creativity from “Boots” vs. relentless pressure and power from Ortiz. In a fractured 154-lb landscape, it’s the rare fight that sells itself and could crown America’s next crossover star.
