Vergil Ortiz in talks to face Keith Thurman on December card

Vergil Ortiz could face Keith Thurman in December, with promoter Oscar De La Hoya saying negotiations are nearing completion.

Golden Boy is targeting a place on a proposed David Benavidez card for the unbeaten American’s return. The fight has not been formally announced.

“We’re talking to Keith Thurman,” De La Hoya told Ariel Helwani, in comments reported by The Ring. “We’re finalizing that deal.”

Ortiz, 28, has not fought since stopping Erickson Lubin in the second round last November. His record stands at 24 wins, including 22 knockouts.

Vergil Ortiz seeks return after Ennis talks stalled

A meeting with Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis had been discussed, but negotiations failed to produce a fight.

De La Hoya separately told Fight Hub TV that keeping Ortiz active was now a priority, with Thurman among the opponents being considered.

Thurman, a former unified welterweight world champion, would also be returning from a defeat. Sebastian Fundora stopped him in the sixth round of their super-welterweight contest in March.

Ortiz’s team has indicated that his next appearance could take place at the middleweight limit of 160lb, although the terms of a Thurman bout remain unconfirmed.

December date remains unsettled

De La Hoya identified December’s Benavidez show as the intended destination.

However, Boxing News reports that the card’s date and location could change, with both 5 December and 12 December discussed.

A final announcement is therefore still needed before the opponent, weight and event details can be treated as confirmed.