By: Sean Crose
IBF welterweight champ Jaron “Boots” Ennis will tackle WBA welterweight champ Eimantas Stanionis Saturday night time in Atlantic Metropolis. Anticipate the group at Boardwalk Corridor to be pulling for Ennis, a local of close by Philadelphia. This gained’t be any tuneup for Ennis, nevertheless, as Lithuania’s Stanionis isn’t solely a world titlist himself, but additionally an thrilling fighter who has but to be defeated. Sturdy and stable the place Ennis is fluid and correct together with his punches, the the 2 make for an attention-grabbing ring pairing. Whereas few would name this a mega struggle, that is doubtless a struggle of notice.
“Them belts coming dwelling,” Ennis mentioned to DAZN after Friday’s weigh in. “It’s that point. I’m going to point out the world I’m the very best on the earth. Be sure that y’all tune in. Don’t stand up and get no popcorn, don’t transfer, don’t blink, none of that.” Stanionis additionally exuded pure confidence. “I’m all in,” He mentioned when requested to offer a prediction on Saturday’s throwdown. The reality is that the welterweight division deserves this sort of vitality. What’s extra, it wants it. Lengthy generally known as one of many prime divisions on the earth, the welterweight division has not too long ago risked slipping into obscurity just like the middleweight division not too long ago has.
That may all change, nevertheless, ought to Ennis and Stanionis placed on a formidable struggle this weekend. Leonard, Duran, Hearns, Mayweather, and Pacquiao – are just some of the legendary names which have dominated over the division. Doubtless, individuals naturally search for stars at 147. Even titlists who weren’t family names years in the past, excessive finish figures like Marlon Starling and Lloyd Honeyghan, gave the welterweight division a fantastic glean. With latest stars Terence Crawford and Errol Spence now faraway from the welterweight division, there’s room for a brand new star to step in – even perhaps two.
The reality is that there’s a little bit of a buzz about this struggle. Ennis has lengthy been seen as a rising star whereas Stanionis has confirmed time and again that he’s a power within the ring. Whereas there’s little doubt that Ennis would be the favourite strolling in, don’t count on too many individuals to be stunned if Stanionis pulls off the upset. With information of 33-0 and 15-0 respectively, Ennis and Stanionis are placing each their main belts and undefeated information on the road. In different phrases, it is a excessive stakes battle between two top quality fighters. In different phrases, an ideal Saturday night time struggle.
