The update marks the clearest signal yet that months of public negotiations, legal tensions and posturing are finally giving way to a deal.

The timing is no accident. For much of the past three months, the fight existed in theory while alternatives were floated in public. Ortiz’s team insists on A-Team status. Other options were consulted. The words speak loudly. The movement is small.

It’s not the mood that changes. This is leverage.

Why did the negotiations suddenly take a turn?

Multiple industry reports (later expanded upon by BoxingScene contributor Jake Donovan) made it clear that DAZN had no interest in funding either match that didn’t involve the other. Once this position hardens, the negotiating space quickly shrinks. There is no longer a credible financial exit ramp.

This reality coincides with instability elsewhere. Golden Boy Promotions’ existing DAZN deal is coming to an end. Ortiz is embroiled in a lawsuit seeking to invalidate his promotional contract, alleging breach and interference. This combination leaves little room for brinksmanship. Whatever leverage exists on paper is no longer supported by willing platforms.

From that point on, the battle ceased to be a debate and began to become a necessity.

Ennis made his intentions clear last fall when he traveled to Fort Worth to watch Ortiz fight Eriksen Lubin and publicly called for the fight immediately after the game. Enthusiasm is real, but enthusiasm alone will not drive a negotiation. Progress will only follow when financial alternatives disappear.

This order is important. It redefined the game, not as a triumph of ambition or fan demand, but as an example of how modern boxing power operates. In 2026, the identity of Party A is no longer something that the sponsor can declare. It will only exist if broadcasters are prepared to fund it.

Donovan’s report fills in the connective tissue of this reality. His account details deadlocked negotiations, a hard line early on and a quiet about-face after it became clear there was no interest in alternatives. The through lines are consistent. Once the platform’s position is understood, resistance disappears.

It would be welcome for sporting reasons if the game ended this week. Ennis vs. Ortiz is a matchup that the division has been talking about for years. But it’s also a reminder that this game happened not because the parties suddenly agreed, but because economic circumstances eliminated all other options.

Ultimately, the ego does not fight this battle. This is indeed the case.