Jaron Ennis Back In Action, But Who is Stanionis?

2016 Olympian Eimantas Stanionis is seen as a live underdog heading into his welterweight unification clash against IBF champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis this Saturday night live on DAZN. The Lithuanian Stanionis (15-0, 9 KOs) will have his WBA 147-lb title at stake in their fight at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Eimantas is seen as a problem for Boots due to his toughness, power, and pressure fighting style. He has the kind of power that can hurt Ennis, especially if he’s weakened from gaining weight.

Layoff and Limited Activity

The eight-year pro Stanionis, 30, comes into this fight from an 11-month layoff following his 12-round unanimous decision win over Gabriel Maestre on May 4th. He’s only fought three times in the last four years due to three fights canceled against Vergil Ortiz Jr, one being an Appendicitis problem.

Stanionis’ Best Career Wins:

– Gabriel Maestre
– Radzhab Butaev – SD 12
– Luis Collazo
– Thomas Dulorme

Stanionis’s opposition during his career has been limited, but the cancellations of three fights against Ortiz Jr. played a big part. He would have fought more if not having put so much time in trying to get those fights against Vergil Jr, who could no longer safely make the 147-lb division.

Ennis has the edge in quality opposition during his career, but not by a large margin. Neither fighter has mixed it with A-level competition, but Stanionis has performed better against the top guys he has fought.

“If Boots performs like he did against [Karen] Chukhadzhian, it’s a very dangerous fight,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to Fight Hub TV, talking about Stanionis’s match against Jaron Ennis on Saturday. “I love what Stanionis brings. All gas and no brakes. This guy is relentless.

“Everybody that knows boxing knows this isn’t just 50-50; it’s probably the best fight of the year thus far, and I think you’ll get a tremendous matchup.”