WBA welterweight titleholder Eimantas Stanionis is seeking a unification fight.
Stanionis returned to the ring in May to win a 12-round unanimous decision over Gabriel Maestre at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Stanionis, a 30-year-old from Lithuania, previously snapped a 25-month layoff after Vergil Ortiz Jnr had to withdraw from their planned bout in 2023. Stanionis, who has a record of 15-0 (9 KOs), wants another title.
“I want to unify the division and prove I am the best welterweight in the world,” Stanionis said. “No more excuses. Let’s get these unifications done. I’m ready [for] whoever steps up first.”
Via a press release, Stanionis methodically analyzed the current belt holders, explaining the merit of a matchup with each titleholder from his perspective.
When it comes to the 29-year-old WBC beltholder Mario Barrios, who holds a record of 29-2-1 (18 KOs), Stanionis noted that, “Mario Barrios is a strong champion who brings toughness and heart into the ring…a fight between us would be explosive. I respect what he’s done in the sport, but I believe my skill and determination will make the difference.”
WBO titleholder Brian Norman Jnr, who holds a record of 26-0 (20 KOs), also has Stanionis’ attention.
“Brian Norman Jr. has proven he belongs at the top. He’s only getting better,” Stanionis commented. “I know he’s hungry to show the world what he’s capable of. A fight with the two of us would be a high-stakes battle between fighters who refuse to back down. I’m ready to put my belt on the line to make it happen.”
Then, there is the fighter who spent 2024 looking for a compelling dance partner –– Jaron “Boots” Ennis, the IBF titleholder, who holds a record of 33-0 (29 KOs). Ennis is viewed as one of the most exciting emerging fighters in the sport. An Ennis-Stanionis fight wouldn’t just be logical, it is the bout most likely to determine the best welterweight in the world.
“Boots Ennis is one of the most dangerous fighters in boxing today,” Stanionis said. “He’s fast, powerful, and skilled, but I believe in myself and my ability to outlast anyone in the ring. The fans have been asking for this fight. I want to make it a reality. Unification fights like this define legacies.”
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