Ennis didn’t sign Ortiz because terms changed

Hearn said Golden Boy then changed its position, asking for a 60-40 split in Ortiz’s favor, with five percent still going to the winner. De La Hoya publicly stated he would not change those numbers and described Hearn as “begging” during negotiations.

This change is important because, according to Hearn, the original terms were already locked in place.

“We all agreed to the deal,” Hearn said. “Fifty-fifty-five percent to the winner. Jaron signed. Vergil didn’t.”

Hearn said the winner’s bonus was designed to reward trust. If a fighter believes he is going to win, the advantages are obvious. The split effectively becomes 55-45 for the winner. Hearn described it as an obvious solution for a fight widely considered competitive on paper.

He also rejected the idea that pushing for combat signals weakness.

“I’m desperate,” Hearn said. “Desperate to make the best fights.”

De La Hoya countered by saying he had other options for Ortiz. Some fans interpreted this position as strategic distancing. If Ennis walks away, Ortiz avoids being blamed for the fight’s collapse.

Hearn said he now had to speak with his fighter because the situation had changed.

“We agreed,” he said. “If that deal is no longer available, that’s another conversation.”

As of now, the fight remains unsigned, not because terms couldn’t be worked out, but because previously agreed terms are being reopened. This distinction is important, and it does not reflect well on the side of those who ask to rewrite the room after the fact.