Ortiz (24-0, 22 KOs) was seeking a bout against former unified welterweight champion Jaron Ennis on April 18 and attempting to make it without Golden Boy Promotions, his longtime promoter. However, Golden Boy's temporary restraining order that stops Ortiz from negotiating fights without the company's involvement was upheld.

The judge asked that the arbitrator help settle the matter by Sept. 2, which leaves Ortiz's immediate future up in the air.

“Although the judge didn’t see it our way and the fight is blocked for now, my team and I will be moving on to arbitration and to the court appeal,” Ortiz wrote on X. “My time with Goldenboy is done. I am confident that my right to move on to other opportunities will be upheld. As always, I’m in the gym staying ready - ANY 154 champion should do the same. It’s only a matter of time.”

Ortiz signed a three-year extension with Golden Boy in May 2024. He would become a promotional free agent if successful in arbitration. Otherwise, he would be contractually bound to Golden Boy until at least August of next year, per Yahoo Sports.

For Ortiz, 27, the legal setback is just the latest roadblock in his efforts to land a huge fight. He has long been viewed as one of boxing’s top talents at 147 pounds and then 154, but a multitude of different circumstances have prevented him from landing such a bout.

Ortiz, ranked No. 1 by The Ring at 154, last fought on Nov. 8, stopping Erickson Lubin in the second round. Ortiz and Ennis met in the ring after the fight, which set the stage for one of the best fights that could be made. Now, there's no telling when – or if – the bout will be made.

Ortiz filed a lawsuit against Golden Boy in January seeking to become a free agent, arguing that his contract was in breach as the promoter no longer held a media rights deal. Ortiz then negotiated a multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing, kicking off with a spring showdown against Ennis.

Those plans were in motion until Golden Boy was granted a temporary restraining order against Ortiz on February 13 that halted any talks with other promoters. The sides exchanged legal filings over the following weeks, while those involved hoped for resolution that would keep the Ennis fight on track.

Ortiz then took a heavy blow on Monday. Meanwhile, Golden Boy CEO Oscar De La Hoya was elated.

"Justice prevails," De La Hoya posted on social media Monday evening. He tagged Matchroom Boxing, Ortiz, and the fighter’s manager, Rick Mirigian.