Tag: Eimantas Stanionis

Fight Week: Vergil Ortiz vs. Eimantas Stanionis, Jaron Ennis’ return in spotlight

Vergil Ortiz will face Eimantas Stanionis and Jaron Ennis will take on Roiman Villa on a big weekend for top young welterweights.

FIGHT WEEK

Vergil Ortiz will face Eimantas Stanionis and Jaron Ennis will take on Roiman Villa in a big weekend for top young welterweights.

VERGIL ORTIZ (19-0, 19 KOs) VS.
EIMANTAS STANIONIS (14-0, 9 KOs)

  • Date: Saturday, July 8
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Welterweight (147 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Odds: Oritz 4-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Marlen Esparza vs. Gabriela Alaniz, flyweights (for Esparaza’s WBA and WBC titles); Floyd Schofield vs. Haskell Rhodes, lightweights; Joseph Diaz Jr. vs. Jerry Perez, lightweights
  • Prediction: Ortiz UD
  • Background: Ortiz and Stanionis will face their toughest tests to date when they meet Saturday in San Antonio. Ortiz, a hard-punching 25-year-old from Dallas, has stopped all 19 of his opponents but has struggled to lure top welterweights into the ring until now. And he hasn’t been particularly active because of health issues, having entered the ring only four times since 2019. He last fought this past August, stopping previously unbeaten Michael McKinson in nine rounds. Ortiz told Boxing Junkie that he’s 100% healthy for the first time in years. Stanionis is a well-schooled, rugged 28-year-old from Lithuania. He competed in the 2016 Olympics, getting eliminated in the second round. He also has been perfect as a professional, although he has relied more on his ability and resilience than his punching power. He’s coming off a hard-fought split-decision victory over previously unbeaten Radzhab Butaev in April of last year. That means he will have been out of the ring for almost 15 months. The fight on Saturday is for the WBA’s secondary “world” title, which Boxing Junkie doesn’t recognize.

 

JARON ENNIS (30-0, 27 KOs)
VS. ROIMAN VILLA (26-1, 24 KOs)

  • Date: Saturday, July 8
  • Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • TV/Stream: Showtime
  • Division: Welterweight (147 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Odds: Ennis 8-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Edwin De Los Santos vs. Joseph Adorno, lightweights; Yoelvis Gomez vs. Marquis Taylor, junior middleweights
  • Prediction: Ennis KO 8
  • Background: The gifted Ennis is a pound-for-pound star in the making, in the opinion of many observers. He’s just waiting for his big opportunity. In the meantime he must get past solid opponents like Villa. Ennis reminds some of Roy Jones Jr., with a combination of speed and punching power that is off the charts. Ennis saw a knockout streak end at 19 fights (not counting a no-contest) in his most recent outing, a shutout decision over clever, but survival-minded Karen Chukhadzhian in January. The 26-year-old from Philadelphia believes he’s ready to take on the best in the division – including the Terence Crawford-Errol Spence Jr. winner – but he has no time table. He said he’ll be ready when the time comes. Villa is known primarily as a big puncher but he’s a good all-around fighter, as he proved by putting previously unbeaten contender Rashidi Ellis down twice in the final round and winning a majority decision in January. The break-through victory earned him a chance to face Ennis in the main event of nationally televised card, which is a major step for any fighter. He has won seven consecutive fights since losing a split decision to Marcos Villasana at 135 pounds in 2019, after which he moved up in weight.

 

ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK

FRIDAY

  • Diego Pacheco vs. Manuel Gallegos, super middleweights, Monterrey, Mexico (DAZN)

SATURDAY

  • Luis Nery vs. Froilan Saludar, junior featherweights, Metepec, Mexico (ESPN+)

[lawrence-related id=31910,22348,22333]

Fight Week: Vergil Ortiz vs. Eimantas Stanionis, Jaron Ennis’ return in spotlight

Vergil Ortiz will face Eimantas Stanionis and Jaron Ennis will take on Roiman Villa on a big weekend for top young welterweights.

FIGHT WEEK

Vergil Ortiz will face Eimantas Stanionis and Jaron Ennis will take on Roiman Villa in a big weekend for top young welterweights.

VERGIL ORTIZ (19-0, 19 KOs) VS.
EIMANTAS STANIONIS (14-0, 9 KOs)

  • Date: Saturday, July 8
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Welterweight (147 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Odds: Oritz 4-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Marlen Esparza vs. Gabriela Alaniz, flyweights (for Esparaza’s WBA and WBC titles); Floyd Schofield vs. Haskell Rhodes, lightweights; Joseph Diaz Jr. vs. Jerry Perez, lightweights
  • Prediction: Ortiz UD
  • Background: Ortiz and Stanionis will face their toughest tests to date when they meet Saturday in San Antonio. Ortiz, a hard-punching 25-year-old from Dallas, has stopped all 19 of his opponents but has struggled to lure top welterweights into the ring until now. And he hasn’t been particularly active because of health issues, having entered the ring only four times since 2019. He last fought this past August, stopping previously unbeaten Michael McKinson in nine rounds. Ortiz told Boxing Junkie that he’s 100% healthy for the first time in years. Stanionis is a well-schooled, rugged 28-year-old from Lithuania. He competed in the 2016 Olympics, getting eliminated in the second round. He also has been perfect as a professional, although he has relied more on his ability and resilience than his punching power. He’s coming off a hard-fought split-decision victory over previously unbeaten Radzhab Butaev in April of last year. That means he will have been out of the ring for almost 15 months. The fight on Saturday is for the WBA’s secondary “world” title, which Boxing Junkie doesn’t recognize.

 

JARON ENNIS (30-0, 27 KOs)
VS. ROIMAN VILLA (26-1, 24 KOs)

  • Date: Saturday, July 8
  • Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • TV/Stream: Showtime
  • Division: Welterweight (147 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Odds: Ennis 8-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Edwin De Los Santos vs. Joseph Adorno, lightweights; Yoelvis Gomez vs. Marquis Taylor, junior middleweights
  • Prediction: Ennis KO 8
  • Background: The gifted Ennis is a pound-for-pound star in the making, in the opinion of many observers. He’s just waiting for his big opportunity. In the meantime he must get past solid opponents like Villa. Ennis reminds some of Roy Jones Jr., with a combination of speed and punching power that is off the charts. Ennis saw a knockout streak end at 19 fights (not counting a no-contest) in his most recent outing, a shutout decision over clever, but survival-minded Karen Chukhadzhian in January. The 26-year-old from Philadelphia believes he’s ready to take on the best in the division – including the Terence Crawford-Errol Spence Jr. winner – but he has no time table. He said he’ll be ready when the time comes. Villa is known primarily as a big puncher but he’s a good all-around fighter, as he proved by putting previously unbeaten contender Rashidi Ellis down twice in the final round and winning a majority decision in January. The break-through victory earned him a chance to face Ennis in the main event of nationally televised card, which is a major step for any fighter. He has won seven consecutive fights since losing a split decision to Marcos Villasana at 135 pounds in 2019, after which he moved up in weight.

 

ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK

FRIDAY

  • Diego Pacheco vs. Manuel Gallegos, super middleweights, Monterrey, Mexico (DAZN)

SATURDAY

  • Luis Nery vs. Froilan Saludar, junior featherweights, Metepec, Mexico (ESPN+)

[lawrence-related id=31910,22348,22333]

Jaron Ennis keeps knocking ’em down, biding his time

Talented welterweight contender Jaron Ennis keeps knocking ’em down while he waits for big opportunities.

Jaron Ennis has no choice but to wait.

The gifted welterweight is unbeaten, 29-0 (27 KOs). He’s ranked in the Top 3 of all four major sanctioning bodies, below only champion Errol Spence Jr. in the IBF. He’s hailed by some as a future pound-for-pound king.

Yet the big opportunities still elude him. He thought he was set to fight hot contender Eimantas Stanionis on the Gervonta Davis-Hector Garcia pay-per-view show on Jan. 7 only to learn that Stanionis will face Vergil Ortiz instead on another date. And no one else seems interested at the moment.

That has left “Boots” with a fight against obscure Karen Chukhadzhian for the IBF’s “interim” title on the Davis-Garcia card in Washington, D.C.

“It’s getting a little difficult to wait to fight these guys,” said Ennis, 25. “I’m sitting here waiting, fighting whoever they put in front of me. I have to do what I do, keep winning, keep knocking people down.

“If I do, everything will fall into place. After this fight, it will get bigger and bigger.”

Chukhadzhian’s first name – as it would be pronounced in English – has generated some mocking on social media but Ennis knows the Ukrainian is no joke.

The 26-year-old from Kiev is ranked by two organizations, No. 4 by the IBF. Chukhadzhian (21-1, 11 KOs) is a polished boxer who hasn’t lost since his second pro fight, in 2015, although he has never fought outside Europe.

Ennis would rather be facing a big-name opponent but insists there’s no danger of overlooking this one.

“I don’t care who I’m fighting, a little kid, my cousin, I don’t care who. I’m always training to do what I have to do,” he said. “… I’m always motivated. Even when I don’t have a fight, I’m motivated. I want to continue to develop, to make my legacy, to go down as a historic champion.

“You’ll never see me not motivated. I’ll be as sharp as ever [on Jan 7) and get the knockout at the end of the night.”

Afterward he’ll do what he always does, get back into the gym and prepare for whomever is his first opponent in the new year.

“I keep getting better and better every time out,” he said. “These guys haven’t seen anything yet. I’m going to keep going. And the longer they wait, the worse it’s going to get. … Staying the gym, that’s how I stay focused, stay locked in. I’m always trying to perfect myself, correcting my mistakes, sharpening my tools in the gym.

“I feel I will be No. 1 pound-for-pound. I just have to get my hands on one of those belts. And then that’s it.”

Jaron Ennis keeps knocking ’em down, biding his time

Talented welterweight contender Jaron Ennis keeps knocking ’em down while he waits for big opportunities.

Jaron Ennis has no choice but to wait.

The gifted welterweight is unbeaten, 29-0 (27 KOs). He’s ranked in the Top 3 of all four major sanctioning bodies, below only champion Errol Spence Jr. in the IBF. He’s hailed by some as a future pound-for-pound king.

Yet the big opportunities still elude him. He thought he was set to fight hot contender Eimantas Stanionis on the Gervonta Davis-Hector Garcia pay-per-view show on Jan. 7 only to learn that Stanionis will face Vergil Ortiz instead on another date. And no one else seems interested at the moment.

That has left “Boots” with a fight against obscure Karen Chukhadzhian for the IBF’s “interim” title on the Davis-Garcia card in Washington, D.C.

“It’s getting a little difficult to wait to fight these guys,” said Ennis, 25. “I’m sitting here waiting, fighting whoever they put in front of me. I have to do what I do, keep winning, keep knocking people down.

“If I do, everything will fall into place. After this fight, it will get bigger and bigger.”

Chukhadzhian’s first name – as it would be pronounced in English – has generated some mocking on social media but Ennis knows the Ukrainian is no joke.

The 26-year-old from Kiev is ranked by two organizations, No. 4 by the IBF. Chukhadzhian (21-1, 11 KOs) is a polished boxer who hasn’t lost since his second pro fight, in 2015, although he has never fought outside Europe.

Ennis would rather be facing a big-name opponent but insists there’s no danger of overlooking this one.

“I don’t care who I’m fighting, a little kid, my cousin, I don’t care who. I’m always training to do what I have to do,” he said. “… I’m always motivated. Even when I don’t have a fight, I’m motivated. I want to continue to develop, to make my legacy, to go down as a historic champion.

“You’ll never see me not motivated. I’ll be as sharp as ever [on Jan 7) and get the knockout at the end of the night.”

Afterward he’ll do what he always does, get back into the gym and prepare for whomever is his first opponent in the new year.

“I keep getting better and better every time out,” he said. “These guys haven’t seen anything yet. I’m going to keep going. And the longer they wait, the worse it’s going to get. … Staying the gym, that’s how I stay focused, stay locked in. I’m always trying to perfect myself, correcting my mistakes, sharpening my tools in the gym.

“I feel I will be No. 1 pound-for-pound. I just have to get my hands on one of those belts. And then that’s it.”

Good, bad, worse: Is Errol Spence Jr. vs Terence Crawford next up?

A critical look at the past week in boxing GOOD Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow. Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside …

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow.

Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas, coldly, methodically breaking down an accomplished opponent before stopping him in the 10th round to unify three welterweight titles.

The performance was particularly impressive given the obstacles he had to overcome – a horrific car accident in 2019, a detached retina last year and a 16-month layoff.

Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) is No. 5 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound – a similar position to most rankings – but some might argue that he should be closer to the top, closer to Boxing Junkie’s No. 1-ranked fighter, Terence Crawford.

That’s what makes a potential showdown between Spence and Crawford so compelling. Not only would the fight establish an undisputed welterweight champion; it would also pit two Top-5 pound-for-pounders against one another.

It doesn’t get better than that.

And the chances of it actually happening after years of anticipation appear to be high, as Spence and free-agent Crawford no longer fight for competing entities. Plus, Spence never made it more clear than he did after the fight on Saturday that he wants to meet Crawford in the ring.

I wish the fight had happened a few years ago, when Crawford (who turns 35 in September) was in his physical prime. However, this wouldn’t be like Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, which had the feel of an old-timers game because it happened far too late.

Spence demonstrated on Saturday night that he’s at least close to his best. And Crawford is coming off an impressive knockout of former champion Shawn Porter in November, evidence that he remains near the top of his game.

Spence vs. Crawford might be the biggest possible fight in boxing. Fingers crossed it happens in the fall.

 

BAD

Yordenis Ugas was deavstated after his setback. AP Photo / Jeffrey McWhorter

“I feel sad because I trained really hard for this fight,” Ugas said after falling short of goal to become unified welterweight champion. “All respect to Errol Spence. He’s a great champion. I’m just sad with what happened tonight.”

Ugas’ sentiments are understandable. He experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in consecutive fights, which is always takes a toll.

The one-time Cuban amateur star had come a long way, overcoming the trials of defection from his native country, back-to-back losses in 2014 and a subsequent two-year hiatus from the sport to build himself into a top 147-pound contender.

And his ascent was capped with a monumental upset of Manny Pacquiao last August, which gave him his first major title at the age of 34 and made him a major player in the division.

Then, in one night, it must have felt as if he were back in 2014. He fought gallantly but was outclassed by Spence in the end, which left him on the wrong end of a one-sided beating and with a broken orbital bone. Ugas is good, Spence is special.

Thus, it was easy to understand Ugas’ anguish the fight. However, time will provide perspective.

The fact he was able to overcome the obstacles to reach the pinnacle of the sport is an accomplishment that will always bring him pride. Unlike Pacquiao, who was 42 when they fought, Ugas is young enough to continue with his career.

And, finally, we shouldn’t feel too sorry for him: He should walk away with at least $2 million after pay-per-view revenues are divvied up. That should help alleviate some of the emotional pain he’s feeling after his disappointment.

 

WORSE

Ugas wasn’t the only older fighter to have a rough time Saturday.

First, in England, 34-year-old Chris van Heerden, a solid fighter since turning pro 16 years ago, failed to survive two full rounds against rising star Conor Benn. The Los Angeles-based native of South Africa didn’t have time to show anything.

Then, on the Spence-Ugas card, Josesito Lopez, 37, Francisco Vargas, 37, and Yuriorkis Gamboa, 40, looked their ages.

Lopez (38-9, 21 KOs) gave welterweight contender Cody Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) some resistance early in their scheduled 10-rounder but seemed to get old mid-fight and was barely able to hear the final bell, as Crowley won a wide decision.

Lopez was one of the toughest fighters in the world between 135 and 147 pounds for years, including a knockout victory over Victor Ortiz. Now it appears he’s finished.

Vargas (27-4-2, 19 KOs) was still warming up when a monster left hand from lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela knocked him onto his back and out. It’s difficult to imagine the former 130-pound champ bouncing back from that kind of setback but he’s a warrior through and through.

And Gamboa (30-5, 18 KOs) went down four times against juggernaut Isaac Cruz before the fight was mercifully stopped in the fifth round. The 2004 Olympic gold medalist and two-time featherweight champion was willing but no longer has the legs to fight at a high level. He’s shot.

I don’t want to be overly critical of matchmakers who tempt fate by pitting faded champions against hot young stars. Matchmaking is the hardest job in boxing. Plus, older fighters deserve opportunities if they can demonstrate they remain competent.

At the same time, the events of Saturday made it clear that matchmakers and other powerbrokers must be careful about making such decisions.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Benn (21-0, 14 KOs) demonstrated again in his victory over van Heerden that he could develop into a threat to any of the top 147-pounders. He’s a dynamic all-around fighter with big-time power. Ask van Heerden. The only obvious flaw in Benn’s performance was that he was somewhat reckless from the opening bell. If he attacked a Spence or a Crawford with the abandon he went after van Heerden, he’d get knocked out. … Eimantas Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) took another nice step in his career on the Spence-Ugas card, defeating previously unbeaten Radzhab Butaev (14-1, 11 KOs) by a split decision that should’ve been unanimous. He’s on the precipice of landing a world title fight and he might have the ability to win it. … Valenzuela (12-0, 8 KOs) made a powerful statement with his one-punch knockout of Vargas. The Seattle-based Mexican, a disciple of trainer Jose Benavidez Sr., is one of the top handful of prospects in the world. … I don’t know how far Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) will go but he’s a good, disciplined boxer with the fitness to go 20 strong rounds. That formula is going to make him difficult to beat even at the highest level. … The knockout streak of junior welterweight Brandun Lee (25-0, 22 KOs) ended at 15 when clever Zachary Ochoa (21-3, 7 KOs) took him the distance on the Spence-Ugas card. No shame in that. He probably learned more during the unanimous-decision victory than he would’ve with another spectacular stoppage.

[lawrence-related id=29518,29498,29501,29504,29464]

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Good, bad, worse: Is Errol Spence Jr. vs Terence Crawford next up?

A critical look at the past week in boxing GOOD Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow. Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside …

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow.

Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas, coldly, methodically breaking down an accomplished opponent before stopping him in the 10th round to unify three welterweight titles.

The performance was particularly impressive given the obstacles he had to overcome – a horrific car accident in 2019, a detached retina last year and a 16-month layoff.

Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) is No. 5 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound – a similar position to most rankings – but some might argue that he should be closer to the top, closer to Boxing Junkie’s No. 1-ranked fighter, Terence Crawford.

That’s what makes a potential showdown between Spence and Crawford so compelling. Not only would the fight establish an undisputed welterweight champion; it would also pit two Top-5 pound-for-pounders against one another.

It doesn’t get better than that.

And the chances of it actually happening after years of anticipation appear to be high, as Spence and free-agent Crawford no longer fight for competing entities. Plus, Spence never made it more clear than he did after the fight on Saturday that he wants to meet Crawford in the ring.

I wish the fight had happened a few years ago, when Crawford (who turns 35 in September) was in his physical prime. However, this wouldn’t be like Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, which had the feel of an old-timers game because it happened far too late.

Spence demonstrated on Saturday night that he’s at least close to his best. And Crawford is coming off an impressive knockout of former champion Shawn Porter in November, evidence that he remains near the top of his game.

Spence vs. Crawford might be the biggest possible fight in boxing. Fingers crossed it happens in the fall.

 

BAD

Yordenis Ugas was deavstated after his setback. AP Photo / Jeffrey McWhorter

“I feel sad because I trained really hard for this fight,” Ugas said after falling short of goal to become unified welterweight champion. “All respect to Errol Spence. He’s a great champion. I’m just sad with what happened tonight.”

Ugas’ sentiments are understandable. He experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in consecutive fights, which is always takes a toll.

The one-time Cuban amateur star had come a long way, overcoming the trials of defection from his native country, back-to-back losses in 2014 and a subsequent two-year hiatus from the sport to build himself into a top 147-pound contender.

And his ascent was capped with a monumental upset of Manny Pacquiao last August, which gave him his first major title at the age of 34 and made him a major player in the division.

Then, in one night, it must have felt as if he were back in 2014. He fought gallantly but was outclassed by Spence in the end, which left him on the wrong end of a one-sided beating and with a broken orbital bone. Ugas is good, Spence is special.

Thus, it was easy to understand Ugas’ anguish the fight. However, time will provide perspective.

The fact he was able to overcome the obstacles to reach the pinnacle of the sport is an accomplishment that will always bring him pride. Unlike Pacquiao, who was 42 when they fought, Ugas is young enough to continue with his career.

And, finally, we shouldn’t feel too sorry for him: He should walk away with at least $2 million after pay-per-view revenues are divvied up. That should help alleviate some of the emotional pain he’s feeling after his disappointment.

 

WORSE

Ugas wasn’t the only older fighter to have a rough time Saturday.

First, in England, 34-year-old Chris van Heerden, a solid fighter since turning pro 16 years ago, failed to survive two full rounds against rising star Conor Benn. The Los Angeles-based native of South Africa didn’t have time to show anything.

Then, on the Spence-Ugas card, Josesito Lopez, 37, Francisco Vargas, 37, and Yuriorkis Gamboa, 40, looked their ages.

Lopez (38-9, 21 KOs) gave welterweight contender Cody Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) some resistance early in their scheduled 10-rounder but seemed to get old mid-fight and was barely able to hear the final bell, as Crowley won a wide decision.

Lopez was one of the toughest fighters in the world between 135 and 147 pounds for years, including a knockout victory over Victor Ortiz. Now it appears he’s finished.

Vargas (27-4-2, 19 KOs) was still warming up when a monster left hand from lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela knocked him onto his back and out. It’s difficult to imagine the former 130-pound champ bouncing back from that kind of setback but he’s a warrior through and through.

And Gamboa (30-5, 18 KOs) went down four times against juggernaut Isaac Cruz before the fight was mercifully stopped in the fifth round. The 2004 Olympic gold medalist and two-time featherweight champion was willing but no longer has the legs to fight at a high level. He’s shot.

I don’t want to be overly critical of matchmakers who tempt fate by pitting faded champions against hot young stars. Matchmaking is the hardest job in boxing. Plus, older fighters deserve opportunities if they can demonstrate they remain competent.

At the same time, the events of Saturday made it clear that matchmakers and other powerbrokers must be careful about making such decisions.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Benn (21-0, 14 KOs) demonstrated again in his victory over van Heerden that he could develop into a threat to any of the top 147-pounders. He’s a dynamic all-around fighter with big-time power. Ask van Heerden. The only obvious flaw in Benn’s performance was that he was somewhat reckless from the opening bell. If he attacked a Spence or a Crawford with the abandon he went after van Heerden, he’d get knocked out. … Eimantas Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) took another nice step in his career on the Spence-Ugas card, defeating previously unbeaten Radzhab Butaev (14-1, 11 KOs) by a split decision that should’ve been unanimous. He’s on the precipice of landing a world title fight and he might have the ability to win it. … Valenzuela (12-0, 8 KOs) made a powerful statement with his one-punch knockout of Vargas. The Seattle-based Mexican, a disciple of trainer Jose Benavidez Sr., is one of the top handful of prospects in the world. … I don’t know how far Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) will go but he’s a good, disciplined boxer with the fitness to go 20 strong rounds. That formula is going to make him difficult to beat even at the highest level. … The knockout streak of junior welterweight Brandun Lee (25-0, 22 KOs) ended at 15 when clever Zachary Ochoa (21-3, 7 KOs) took him the distance on the Spence-Ugas card. No shame in that. He probably learned more during the unanimous-decision victory than he would’ve with another spectacular stoppage.

[lawrence-related id=29518,29498,29501,29504,29464]

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Good, bad, worse: Eimantas Stanionis sharp, no Olympic gold for U.S., rogue judge

Good, bad, worse: Eimantas Stanionis sharp, no Olympic gold for the U.S and a rogue judge.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Sometimes it doesn’t matter much whether you win or lose.

Welterweight Eimantas Stanionis had enough time to make a statement against 40-year-old Luis Collazo even though their fight was cut short and ruled a no-decision as a result of a clash of heads Saturday night in Minneapolis.

Stanionis, a 26-year-old from Lithuania, looked like a legitimate contender by pounding his game, but overmatched opponent from the opening bell to the moment their heads collided in the fourth round, which ended the fight because Collazo couldn’t continue.

The fight was declared a no-decision because it didn’t go four full rounds but we saw what we saw: an efficient offensive machine who landed damaging shots at a remarkable rate of accuracy. Indeed, Collazo, who has a good chin, might’ve been fortunate that the fight ended as early as it did because he was destined to take a prolonged beating.

We shouldn’t read too much into Stanionis’ strong performance. After all, Collazo is at the end of career. However, the New Yorker still has some fight in him and remains crafty. And Stanionis had his way with him for as long as the fight lasted.

Can Stanionis compete with the best 147-pounders in the world? I don’t know. It’s difficult to imagine him beating the likes of Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr., Manny Pacquiao and a few other top welterweights. He’s not as quick, athletic or dynamic as they are.

At the same time, relentless and intelligent pressure from a good fighter like Stanionis can make the life of any opponent difficult. I won’t be surprised if he finds a way to win a coveted title sometime in the near future.

The only thing I know for sure is that he’s earning the right to give it a try.

***

BAD

I wrote last week that we should be encouraged by the performance of the American boxers in the Olympics. They won four medals (three silver and a bronze), their best output since the 2000 Games in Sydney.

That said, an 0-3 record in gold medal matches was disappointing.

Featherweight Duke Ragan came the closest to becoming Olympic champion, losing a 3-2 split decision to Albert Batyrgaziev of the Russian Olympic Committee. Lightweight Keyshawn Davis, perhaps the U.S.’ best hope, fell by a 4-1 split decision to quick, talented Andy Cruz of Cuba. And super heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. lost a 5-0 unanimous decision to hulking Bakhodir Jalolov.

A victory be just one of them would’ve given the U.S. its first men’s gold medal since Andre Ward in the 2004 Olympics, 17 years ago. Claressa Shields won back-to-back gold in the 2012 and 2016 women’s competitions.

Again, the four medals — including a bronze by women’s welterweight Oshae Jones — were encouraging. However, those of us hoping for a just a little more will have to wait until the 2024 Paris Games.

The good news is that some good professionals will emerge from the Games. My favorite was Davis, who is already 3-0 as a pro. He didn’t win the gold but he lived up to the hype. He has natural gifts, plenty of skill and poise, qualities that should lead to a successful career in the paid ranks.

I can’t wait to see how he develops.

***

WORSE

The scoring in the Gabriel Maestre-Mykal Fox fight on the Stanionis-Collazo card was disturbing on the surface but got worse the more we learned.

Fox, a tall, athletic welterweight, outboxed Maestre and put him down in what seemed certain to be a one-sided victory for the late replacement. The judges somehow saw it differently, handing Maestre a 115-112, 114-113, 117-110 unanimous decision and the WBA “interim” title.

The 117-110 score, from judge Gloria Martinez-Rizzo, was particularly disturbing. And it wasn’t just the fact that she gave Maestre nine of the 12 rounds, which reflects horribly on her and the WBA.

According to a report on BoxingScene.com, Martinez-Rizzo has posted racist tweets. In one, she refers to former First Lady Michelle Obama as “monkey face.” Fox, who is black, reportedly responded to the tweets: “Wow, I was never gonna win on her card.”

Only in boxing.

After the fight and the ensuing public outcry, WBA President Gilberto Mendoza promised to conduct an investigation of the scoring and indicated that a rematch is possible. That’s the least that can be done for Fox, who turned in the performance of his career.

And we can only hope that we never see Martinez-Rizzo sitting ringside at any fight again.

[lawrence-related id=22341,22337,22333,22322,22316,22301,22256]

Good, bad, worse: Eimantas Stanionis sharp, no Olympic gold for U.S., rogue judge

Good, bad, worse: Eimantas Stanionis sharp, no Olympic gold for the U.S and a rogue judge.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Sometimes it doesn’t matter much whether you win or lose.

Welterweight Eimantas Stanionis had enough time to make a statement against 40-year-old Luis Collazo even though their fight was cut short and ruled a no-decision as a result of a clash of heads Saturday night in Minneapolis.

Stanionis, a 26-year-old from Lithuania, looked like a legitimate contender by pounding his game, but overmatched opponent from the opening bell to the moment their heads collided in the fourth round, which ended the fight because Collazo couldn’t continue.

The fight was declared a no-decision because it didn’t go four full rounds but we saw what we saw: an efficient offensive machine who landed damaging shots at a remarkable rate of accuracy. Indeed, Collazo, who has a good chin, might’ve been fortunate that the fight ended as early as it did because he was destined to take a prolonged beating.

We shouldn’t read too much into Stanionis’ strong performance. After all, Collazo is at the end of career. However, the New Yorker still has some fight in him and remains crafty. And Stanionis had his way with him for as long as the fight lasted.

Can Stanionis compete with the best 147-pounders in the world? I don’t know. It’s difficult to imagine him beating the likes of Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr., Manny Pacquiao and a few other top welterweights. He’s not as quick, athletic or dynamic as they are.

At the same time, relentless and intelligent pressure from a good fighter like Stanionis can make the life of any opponent difficult. I won’t be surprised if he finds a way to win a coveted title sometime in the near future.

The only thing I know for sure is that he’s earning the right to give it a try.

***

BAD

I wrote last week that we should be encouraged by the performance of the American boxers in the Olympics. They won four medals (three silver and a bronze), their best output since the 2000 Games in Sydney.

That said, an 0-3 record in gold medal matches was disappointing.

Featherweight Duke Ragan came the closest to becoming Olympic champion, losing a 3-2 split decision to Albert Batyrgaziev of the Russian Olympic Committee. Lightweight Keyshawn Davis, perhaps the U.S.’ best hope, fell by a 4-1 split decision to quick, talented Andy Cruz of Cuba. And super heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. lost a 5-0 unanimous decision to hulking Bakhodir Jalolov.

A victory be just one of them would’ve given the U.S. its first men’s gold medal since Andre Ward in the 2004 Olympics, 17 years ago. Claressa Shields won back-to-back gold in the 2012 and 2016 women’s competitions.

Again, the four medals — including a bronze by women’s welterweight Oshae Jones — were encouraging. However, those of us hoping for a just a little more will have to wait until the 2024 Paris Games.

The good news is that some good professionals will emerge from the Games. My favorite was Davis, who is already 3-0 as a pro. He didn’t win the gold but he lived up to the hype. He has natural gifts, plenty of skill and poise, qualities that should lead to a successful career in the paid ranks.

I can’t wait to see how he develops.

***

WORSE

The scoring in the Gabriel Maestre-Mykal Fox fight on the Stanionis-Collazo card was disturbing on the surface but got worse the more we learned.

Fox, a tall, athletic welterweight, outboxed Maestre and put him down in what seemed certain to be a one-sided victory for the late replacement. The judges somehow saw it differently, handing Maestre a 115-112, 114-113, 117-110 unanimous decision and the WBA “interim” title.

The 117-110 score, from judge Gloria Martinez-Rizzo, was particularly disturbing. And it wasn’t just the fact that she gave Maestre nine of the 12 rounds, which reflects horribly on her and the WBA.

According to a report on BoxingScene.com, Martinez-Rizzo has posted racist tweets. In one, she refers to former First Lady Michelle Obama as “monkey face.” Fox, who is black, reportedly responded to the tweets: “Wow, I was never gonna win on her card.”

Only in boxing.

After the fight and the ensuing public outcry, WBA President Gilberto Mendoza promised to conduct an investigation of the scoring and indicated that a rematch is possible. That’s the least that can be done for Fox, who turned in the performance of his career.

And we can only hope that we never see Martinez-Rizzo sitting ringside at any fight again.

[lawrence-related id=22341,22337,22333,22322,22316,22301,22256]

Eimantas Stanionis pounds Luis Collazo but has to settle for ‘no decision’

Eimantas Stanionis pounded Luis Collazo for three-plus rounds but had to settle for ‘no decision’ after a clash of heads ended their fight.

Luis Collazo might’ve been fortunate that his fight ended early because of an accidental clash of heads.

Eimantas Stanionis, the young welterweight contender from Lithuania, had landed dozens of damaging punches when the collision of heads in Round 4 rendered the 40-year-old New Yorker unable to continue Saturday at The Armory in Minneapolis.

The scheduled 10-round fight was ruled a no-decision because it didn’t go four full rounds, which is required to go to the cards.

Stanionis (13-0, 9 KOs) received resistance from Collazo, who didn’t fight like a quadragenarian who hadn’t been in the ring for almost two years. He was active, durable and determined to give his all.

The problem for him was that he couldn’t avoid Stanionis’ heavy blows, which busted up Collazo’s face even before the clash of heads. He demonstrated a good chin but it seemed only a matter of time before the younger man would wear down Collazo and win by stoppage.

Their heads collided with about 30 seconds remaining in the Round 4, causing a cut in Collazo’s right eyelid and forcing him to the canvas. He was able to get up but was badly hurt, which prompted referee Charlie Fitch to stop the action and give him time to recover.

However, it became clear after several minutes that Collazo, resting with his arms on the ropes, was finished.

“If you can’t stand up, I have to stop the fight,” Fitch said to Collazo. The fighter responded, “Do that.” And that was that.

The official time of the stoppage was 2:31 of Round 4.

Of course, the result will have been disappointing for Stanionis, who wanted to make a statement and continue his ascent in the welterweight division. Make no mistake, though: He looked sharp, landing his hard shots with regularity and accuracy against a crafty opponent.

He didn’t exit the ring with a victory but he probably enhanced his reputation, which a step forward. He’s not far from a title shot.

Collazo? The Brooklyn native, who has fought professional for more than 20 years, said beforehand that the fight might be his last. It’s difficult to imagine him coming back after taking so much punishment, including the fight-ending clash of heads.

Stanionis, 26, is just getting started. We probably have seen the last of Collazo.

Eimantas Stanionis pounds Luis Collazo but has to settle for ‘no decision’

Eimantas Stanionis pounded Luis Collazo for three-plus rounds but had to settle for ‘no decision’ after a clash of heads ended their fight.

Luis Collazo might’ve been fortunate that his fight ended early because of an accidental clash of heads.

Eimantas Stanionis, the young welterweight contender from Lithuania, had landed dozens of damaging punches when the collision of heads in Round 4 rendered the 40-year-old New Yorker unable to continue Saturday at The Armory in Minneapolis.

The scheduled 10-round fight was ruled a no-decision because it didn’t go four full rounds, which is required to go to the cards.

Stanionis (13-0, 9 KOs) received resistance from Collazo, who didn’t fight like a quadragenarian who hadn’t been in the ring for almost two years. He was active, durable and determined to give his all.

The problem for him was that he couldn’t avoid Stanionis’ heavy blows, which busted up Collazo’s face even before the clash of heads. He demonstrated a good chin but it seemed only a matter of time before the younger man would wear down Collazo and win by stoppage.

Their heads collided with about 30 seconds remaining in the Round 4, causing a cut in Collazo’s right eyelid and forcing him to the canvas. He was able to get up but was badly hurt, which prompted referee Charlie Fitch to stop the action and give him time to recover.

However, it became clear after several minutes that Collazo, resting with his arms on the ropes, was finished.

“If you can’t stand up, I have to stop the fight,” Fitch said to Collazo. The fighter responded, “Do that.” And that was that.

The official time of the stoppage was 2:31 of Round 4.

Of course, the result will have been disappointing for Stanionis, who wanted to make a statement and continue his ascent in the welterweight division. Make no mistake, though: He looked sharp, landing his hard shots with regularity and accuracy against a crafty opponent.

He didn’t exit the ring with a victory but he probably enhanced his reputation, which a step forward. He’s not far from a title shot.

Collazo? The Brooklyn native, who has fought professional for more than 20 years, said beforehand that the fight might be his last. It’s difficult to imagine him coming back after taking so much punishment, including the fight-ending clash of heads.

Stanionis, 26, is just getting started. We probably have seen the last of Collazo.