A fight between Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz is now closer than ever to happening.

Eddie Hearn, Ennis’ promoter, and Oscar De La Hoya, Ortiz’s promoter, have discussed the framework for a deal for the interim junior middleweight champions to fight in the first quarter of 2026. But before the Ennis-Ortiz clash can become a reality, a few things had and have to be taken care of.

Ennis, 28, held up his end of the bargain by knocking out Uisma Lima in the first round Saturday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. As for Ortiz (23-0, 21 KOs), he has to get past Erickson Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs) on November 8 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

Most prognosticators believe Ortiz will get it done. If everything goes according to plan and Ennis and Ortiz officially square off, Eimantas Stanionis will be one of the many interested in seeing it unfold.

Although some are convinced that their matchup is too close to call, Stanionis has one clear winner in mind.

“Vergil is a good fighter,” Stanionis told The Ring. “He’s strong, smart, tough. He’s very good, but I just think Jaron will beat him. No doubt about it.”

Stanionis, unfortunately for him, knows exactly what it’s like to be in the ring with the switch-hitter. All in all, it was a bad night at the office for Stanionis on April 12 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, as he was thoroughly outmuscled and eventually stopped after the sixth round.

Ennis retained his IBF belt, won the vacant Ring crown and took the WBA title from Stanionis (16-1, 9 KOs, 1 NC). It was also the end of his 147-pound run.

With Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) feeling comfortable and explosive at 154 pounds, Stanionis is looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish in his new division.

Watching Ennis, 28, dismantle Lima (14-2, 10 KOs) has boosted his stock. Stanionis, who cringes whenever he’s forced to discuss his horrific night against him, explained what makes Ennis so difficult to beat.

“Jaron is a great fighter,” he said. “He has everything. Speed, power, but the number one thing he does very well is his accuracy. Trust me, he is very accurate and very sharp.”