Ortiz (24-0, 22 KOs) and “Boots” Ennis have been engaged in negotiations dating back to early last year. Ennis, though, wanted a warm-up fight in his new weight class before taking on The Ring’s No. 1 contender at 154 pounds.

Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) quickly dispensed of Uisma Lima in the first round in October and Ortiz needed less than two rounds to stop longtime contender Erickson Lubin one month later. After the latter, Ennis and Ortiz faced off in the ring, kicking off more contentious talks for a fight that won’t be contested for a title, but will crown the consensus best boxer at junior middleweight.

The process became more complicated last month when Ortiz sued his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions. The suit references efforts to finalize this fight and accused De La Hoya of efforts to undermine such a matchup.

Texas’ Ortiz, 27, has never fought for more than an interim title, but he owns quality wins over Israil Madrimov, Serhii Bohachuk and Lubin.

Philadelphia’s Ennis, 28, is a former Ring, IBF and WBA welterweight champion. He’s rated No. 5 by The Ring at 154 pounds.