“We’re pushing for the Boots fight because that’s the biggest fight out there of that division. That’s the biggest fight. That’s the fight that we want because I think we already owe it to ourselves and to the world,” Robert Garcia said to Fight Hub TV. “It’s already been twice where things go back and forth and then the fight doesn’t happen. That’s the fight Golden Boy is going to push for. We’re pushing for. Our first choice is to go after Boots, hopefully by November.”

Robert reinforced that stance when asked if Ortiz needed a comeback fight following the layoff.

“No, no. There’s no need for a tuneup. We’re going after Boots. That’s the fight we’re going after for November,” said Garcia.

The desire is obvious. The obstacle is leverage.

Ennis has the stronger position because he owns three world titles. He also has a clear path toward unification fights against IBF champion Josh Kelly and WBC champion Sebastian Fundora. Choosing those opportunities would strengthen his legacy and leave Ortiz waiting until 2027 for another opening.

Garcia questioned the practicality of an Ennis-Kelly fight. He argued Kelly’s severe cut makes a November or December return unrealistic and wondered why Ennis’ team continues pointing to that option.

“They also mentioned something about unifying for the IBF against Kelly, but Kelly got a big cut. There’s no way he’ll be ready by November or December. If they force him to fight, it’s because they definitely don’t want nothing to do with Virgil. The fight to do is him against Virgil,” said Garcia.

Ortiz Jr. has become the division’s odd man out. Without one of the four major world titles, he has little leverage over Ennis’ schedule. Interim belts don’t change that reality. If Ennis chooses consecutive unification fights against Kelly and Fundora, Ortiz’s best opportunity may not come until 2027.