Jermell Charlo and Keith Thurman lead options for Vergil Ortiz Jr comeback
The short version
- Vergil Ortiz Jr reportedly has two leading candidates for his comeback fight: Jermell Charlo and Keith Thurman.
- Ortiz settled his legal dispute with Golden Boy Promotions after a judge granted the company's arbitration motion in March.
- Ortiz returned from health issues in 2024 and has recent wins over Serhii Bohachuk, Israil Madrimov and Erikson Lubin.
- Charlo has not fought since losing to Canelo Alvarez; Thurman is a former unified welterweight champion.
- Ortiz has expressed interest in a Jaron Ennis fight, with a possible move from 154 to 160 pounds rumored.
Following his legal settlement with Golden Boy, Vergil Ortiz Jr has two names reportedly in front of him for his ring return.
Vergil Ortiz Jr is closing in on his first bout since resolving a contractual conflict with Golden Boy Promotions, and reports indicate two opponents now sit atop the list for his return: Jermell Charlo and Keith Thurman.
Ortiz had been sidelined by health problems, including a recurrence of rhabdomyolysis and repeated COVID-19 cases, before restarting his career in 2024 with stoppage wins over Fredrick Lawson and Thomas Dulorme. He later added victories against Serhii Bohachuk, Israil Madrimov and Erikson Lubin, but momentum stalled when he filed suit against his promoter alleging breach of contract and interference with economic advantage.
A judge granted Golden Boy's motion for arbitration in March, which also blocked Ortiz from negotiating future bouts. The sides eventually settled, with Oscar De La Hoya saying the company looks forward to continuing the partnership, and Ortiz saying he was grateful everything was resolved and eager to pursue major fights, including one against Jaron Ennis.
The two reported options have both campaigned mostly below the division where Ortiz may be headed. Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs), a former undisputed super welterweight champion, has not boxed since falling to Canelo Alvarez while chasing undisputed honors at super middleweight, and has fought just three times since beating Jeison Rosario in 2020. Thurman (31-2, 23 KOs) is a former unified welterweight titleholder.
