‘It’s a 50/50 fight. He hasn’t faced relentless pressure like Eimantas Stanionis before. Jaron Ennis will be tested to the limit.‘ Well, this is how many framed the lead-up to the highly anticipated Ennis-Stanionis welterweight unification bout. Ennis, stepping into the ring not as the overwhelming favorite, had his doubters. But now, with the fight behind us, the silence is deafening.
Jaron Ennis delivered a performance few expected, especially given Eimantas Stanionis‘ respected standing in the welterweight division and long amateur background. IBF light-welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins, who was present at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall to watch the fight, was left spellbound by what he witnessed. As news spread, reporters approached Hitchins for his thoughts.
A fight that lived up to the hype?
When asked, “Tell me your reaction, obviously Boots Ko, what do you think about it?” the Brooklyn-born world champion responded, “I’m not going to lie to you, that style I don’t know what it was. Was it that style, or was he just putting on all cylinders? That’s one of the best performances I’ve seen in boxing in a long time.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 13: Jaron Ennis weighs in at the Westin LAX for his IBF welterweight fight against Custio Clayton being held at Dignity Health Sports Park, on May 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
The fight was hyped as a competitive clash. However, Ennis made it look effortless. He dominated Stanionis from the opening bell. Hitchins noted, “They built up the fight like it was supposed to be a good fight. I thought it was going to be a good fight. He showed out on him. That was the most comfortable I have ever seen a fight in the ring for sure.”
So the reporter probed further. Did the performance quell any doubts about Ennis? “You know that you a boxer, obviously you a champion, obviously y’all deal with a lot. There was a lot of talk about Boots before this fight, you know. Was he not as good as people were saying he was? Do you think he quieted the doubters?
To start with, Richardson Hitchins acknowledged that Ennis had faced skepticism. But with his dominant win, Boots proved himself on the big stage. He’s on a different level. So Hitchins emphasized, ‘styles make fights in boxing.‘
In fact, tonight’s performance reminded him of the days when Boots was fighting in the amateurs. Richardson Hitchins said, “Stanionis is the kind of guy that Boots knows, how he’s going to come. I’ve seen Boots do guys like that in the amateurs in a lot of tournaments, but to do it on a big stage for all the marbles—that was just different. He showed it was levels.”
What’s next for Jaron Ennis?
The fight confirms Ennis’ undeniable talent. However, it also raises the question: What’s next for him? Hitchins is right. Ennis’ performance was a huge statement. But his challenges are far from over. If Ennis stays at 147 pounds and pursues undisputed glory, he’ll have to navigate tough tests against champions like Brian Norman Jr. and Mario Barrios.
CARSON, CA – MAY 14: Custio Clayton (white/blue shorts) exchanges punches with Jaron Ennis (pink shorts) during their welterweight title fight at Dignity Health Sports Park on May 14, 2022 in Carson, California. Ennis won by knockout in the second round. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
However, many are already suggesting that Ennis may be too big for the welterweight division. A move to light-middleweight seems like a natural progression. Indeed, Ennis has already discussed the possibility. But even at 154 pounds, the competition is fierce, with the likes of Vergil Ortiz Jr., Sebastian Fundora, and Bakhram Murtazaliev waiting for their shot. And let’s not forget Terence Crawford, who recently teased a potential move to light-middleweight after the Canelo showdown.
As Ennis contemplates his future, he’ll have to choose his battles carefully.
What do you make of Jaron Ennis’ win over Eimantas Stanionis?
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