What's happened
Jaron 'Boots' Ennis defeated Eimantas Stanionis by sixth-round TKO on April 12, 2025, unifying the IBF and WBA welterweight titles. The victory revitalizes the welterweight division, which has been stagnant since Terence Crawford's win over Errol Spence Jr. nearly two years ago.
What's behind the headline?
Performance Overview
- Ennis showcased his elite boxing skills, controlling the fight with a strong jab and powerful combinations.
- He landed a total of 19 punches in the fifth round alone, demonstrating his offensive prowess.
Implications for the Division
- This victory positions Ennis as a leading figure in the welterweight class, potentially setting up future high-profile bouts against champions like Errol Spence Jr. or Terence Crawford.
- The fight's significance lies in its ability to reignite interest in the welterweight division, which has been in a state of flux since the Crawford-Spence fight.
Future Prospects
- Ennis's performance raises questions about his next steps, including a possible move up in weight class, which he has not ruled out.
- The fight also highlights the potential for a new era in boxing, with younger fighters like Ennis taking center stage.
What the papers say
According to Bryan Armen Graham in The Guardian, Ennis's victory was a dominant performance, stating he 'systematically broke down Eimantas Stanionis with precision and force.' AP News adds that Ennis's record improved to 34-0, emphasizing the significance of this unification bout in a division that has been waiting for a revival. The Guardian also notes the atmosphere in Boardwalk Hall, with Ennis's Philadelphia roots celebrated during the event, enhancing the local connection to the fight.
How we got here
Ennis, a rising star from Philadelphia, entered the fight with a record of 33-0 and was already the IBF champion. Stanionis, elevated to WBA champion after Crawford vacated, was seen as a formidable opponent. This bout marked a significant moment for the welterweight division, which has lacked major fights since Crawford's last bout.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Ennis's victory?
- Who might Ennis fight next?
- How does this fight impact the welterweight division?
Common question
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More on these topics
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Jaron Ennis is an American professional boxer. As an amateur, he won a silver and gold medal at the U.S. National Golden Gloves Championships in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
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Eimantas Stanionis is a Lithuanian professional boxer who has held the WBA welterweight title since April 2022. As an amateur, he won a gold medal at the 2015 European Championships in the welterweight bracket.