Proposed all-American super-bout at risk of collapse as Eddie Hearn makes plea

Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jr.'s proposed mega-bout is at risk of collapse, with Eddie Hearn revealing a deal is yet to be struck between the two.

The unbeaten duo looked primed to meet in a major domestic clash at super-welterweight after the former's successful debut against Uisma Lima.

Both men shared the ring after Ortiz Jr. made short work of Erickson Lubin in November last year, and pledged to face each other in the ring soon.

But speaking at a media event, Matchroom Boxing boss Hearn admitted that nothing has been finalised, with time running out before Ennis moves on.

"We are kind of waiting in hope," he stated. "We keep being told things are progressing, but then we don’t get anywhere. We have to make a move soon.

"[Ennis] is due to fight at the end of March. Could that go to April? Maybe. We have to make our own moves. We're being as courteous as we can

"But sooner or later, we are going to have to move. It will be a sad day if Ortiz doesn’t take that fight, because everyone knows that’s the best fight in American boxing right now.”

Hearn revealed that Josh Kelly could get a shot at Ennis if no deal is agreed with Ortiz, with the Briton due to face IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev this month.

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