The way he laid it out, the division is already moving along a path that may not include Ortiz unless something changes quickly behind the scenes.
“I think it’s a great matchup. You might have to give the edge to Boots just because he’s on a roll, but I do love Xander,” said De La Hoya to Sean Zittel.
That view keeps Ennis slightly ahead in his mind, but not by much. De La Hoya still rates Zayas as a serious problem, especially with his control of distance and ability to put combinations together. He did not separate them widely, which fits how close that fight looks on paper.
The sharper comments came when Ortiz was brought up. De La Hoya made it clear he sees him being left behind while other names push forward into title fights and unifications.
“It’s sad. Ortiz is going to be sidelined while all these champions are going to be facing each other. He’s going to be left in the dust. I still feel that Virgil is the best guy at 154,” said De La Hoya.
Oscar also pointed to the direction of the division, where champions are expected to face each other first. That leaves limited space for anyone outside that group to break in without a change in plans or new negotiations opening a door.
“I’m hoping I can fix things so we can get these fights in place,” said De La Hoya.
It has to be incredibly frustrating for De La Hoya. He knows Ortiz is a superstar talent, but the relationship has completely fractured.
Ortiz has been vocal on social media, flatly stating, “My time with Golden Boy is done.” He even filed a lawsuit to terminate his contract, arguing that Golden Boy’s lack of a solidified broadcast deal after December 2025 gave him an exit.
De La Hoya’s feelings on Jaron “Boots” Ennis vs. Xander Zayas are a bit complicated. On one hand, he’s a fan of the sport and recognizes it’s a great matchup. On the other, it represents the exact fight he wanted for his own stable.
Most fans and oddsmakers are indeed siding with Ennis. He’s currently a -330 favorite, and his explosive power is hard to bet against. De La Hoya giving him the edge is just acknowledging the reality that Ennis is on a roll.
By speaking highly of Zayas, De La Hoya is subtly throwing shade at the Ennis camp. By calling it a “close fight on paper,” he’s trying to downplay the idea that Ennis is an unstoppable force, perhaps keeping the door open to claim later that Ortiz is the only one who can truly beat either man.
The June 27 date at the Barclays Center is a major statement for the division. While Ennis and Zayas unify belts and build their legacies, Ortiz is stuck in the gym and in the courtroom.
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