With the two top dogs of the welterweight division, Errol Spence and Terence Crawford, seemingly gone from the division for good, the time has come for Jaron Ennis, a product of Philadelphia, PA, to step into the spotlight and take over a division that many fans have been eagerly anticipating.
The man they call “Boots” is headlining another fight, this time in Atlantic City, New Jersey defending his IBF title in a unification fight against WBA title holder Eimantis Stanionis.
Ennis is that rare kind of boxing talent who just has it all: footwork, angles, comfortable in either stance, plenty of power, and it is all bundled up in a charismatic personality that makes this guy so fun to watch.
Stanionis, the 29-year old Lithuanian champion is also very talented himself. However, he has had to sit on the sidelines and miss time in the ring as multiple scheduled fights with Victor Ortiz did not go as planned. Stanionis last competed in May of 2024 defending his WBA title in a unanimous decision victory over Gabriel Maestre.
I expect this fight to play out how some of Ennis’ last couple of fights – a strategic breakdown of his opponents en route to a unanimous decision victory. While Stanionis has the grit and talent to compete with Ennis, I think Ennis will still outshine him with the countering and round-altering power, stockpiling 10-9 rounds for a decision win.
I could potentially see a finish for Boots but he becomes more strategic and less risk-taking with the better quality of opponents he faces. So, a decision is my go-to pick.
Thanks for reading and best of luck!
