Eimantas Stanionis walks down Thomas Dulorme, wins clear decision

Eimantas Stanionis rallied in the second half of the fight to defeat Thomas Dulorme on the Jaron Ennis-Sergey Lipinets card on Saturday.

Eimantas Stanionis relied on perseverance as anything else to remain unbeaten on the Jaron Ennis-Sergey Lipinets card Saturday.

The Lithuanian got off to a slow start against an inspired Thomas Dulorme but kept the pressure on the Puerto Rican to win a unanimous decision in the welterweight title eliminator in Uncasville, Conn.

The scores were 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113. Boxing Junkie scored it 115-113 for Stanionis.

Dulorme (25-5-1, 16 KOs) was at his best in the fight, courtesy of new trainer Ismael Salas, whose strategy was to have his protege stick and move. And he did it beautifully much of the fight, forcing Stanionis (13-0, 9 KOs) to chase him down.

The problem for Dulorme is that he began to tire by mid-fight, at which time Stanionis was picking up steam. Stanionis began to cut off the ring and land punishing shots, which forced Dulorme to hold at times.

Dulorme stayed with the game plan until the final bell; he simply couldn’t do it as effectively down the stretch. That allowed Stanionis to pull away on the scorecards.

Stanionis said afterward that he believes he belongs in the Top 10 in a deep division but acknowledged that he still has a lot to learn after only 13 professional fights.

Dulorme might argue that Stanionis has learned quite a bit already.

Eimantas Stanionis walks down Thomas Dulorme, wins clear decision

Eimantas Stanionis rallied in the second half of the fight to defeat Thomas Dulorme on the Jaron Ennis-Sergey Lipinets card on Saturday.

Eimantas Stanionis relied on perseverance as anything else to remain unbeaten on the Jaron Ennis-Sergey Lipinets card Saturday.

The Lithuanian got off to a slow start against an inspired Thomas Dulorme but kept the pressure on the Puerto Rican to win a unanimous decision in the welterweight title eliminator in Uncasville, Conn.

The scores were 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113. Boxing Junkie scored it 115-113 for Stanionis.

Dulorme (25-5-1, 16 KOs) was at his best in the fight, courtesy of new trainer Ismael Salas, whose strategy was to have his protege stick and move. And he did it beautifully much of the fight, forcing Stanionis (13-0, 9 KOs) to chase him down.

The problem for Dulorme is that he began to tire by mid-fight, at which time Stanionis was picking up steam. Stanionis began to cut off the ring and land punishing shots, which forced Dulorme to hold at times.

Dulorme stayed with the game plan until the final bell; he simply couldn’t do it as effectively down the stretch. That allowed Stanionis to pull away on the scorecards.

Stanionis said afterward that he believes he belongs in the Top 10 in a deep division but acknowledged that he still has a lot to learn after only 13 professional fights.

Dulorme might argue that Stanionis has learned quite a bit already.

Jerwin Ancajas outpoints Jonathan Rodriguez in war

Jerwin Ancajas outpoints Jonathan Rodriguez in war on Jaron Ennis-Sergey Lipinets card Saturday.

Jerwin Ancajas held onto his junior bantamweight title but had to work harder than at any time in his career.

Ancajas, making his ninth defense, landed more big punches than Jonathan Rodriguez and put the challenger down to win a unanimous decision on the Jaron Ennis-Sergey Lipinets on Saturday in Uncasville, Conn.

However, Rodriguez, a relative unknown, made the case in defeat that he’s an elite 115-pounder but pushing Ancajas to the limit.

Ancajas (33-1-2, 22 KOs) got the better Rodriguez (22-2, 16 KOs) when he fought behind his jab and used his superior boxing skills, which he did at times.

However, the Filipino chose to stand toe-to-toe — or was forced to do so — much of fight, which made for an exciting battle and allowed Rodriguez to get in his licks.

The fight was essentially a back-and-forth war, with both boxers landing hard shots to both the head body. Many of the rounds were close for that reason.

Nothing had changed much by the middle of Round 8. Then a flurry of punishing blows from Ancajas forced Rodriguez to take a knee, which made it a 10-8 round.

The referee and Rodriguez’s cornermen asked him after the round whether he wanted to continue. He answered by getting the better of the champion from Round 9 to 12.

In the end, the knockdown didn’t matter. Ancajas, who hasn’t lost since 2012, won by scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112. Boxing Junkie scored it 116-112, eight rounds to four.

Ancajas said he hoped the fight would lead to showdowns with the biggest stars in the division, Juan Francisco Estrada, Roman Gonzalez and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai.

The victory puts him in a position to get those opportunties.

Jerwin Ancajas outpoints Jonathan Rodriguez in war

Jerwin Ancajas outpoints Jonathan Rodriguez in war on Jaron Ennis-Sergey Lipinets card Saturday.

Jerwin Ancajas held onto his junior bantamweight title but had to work harder than at any time in his career.

Ancajas, making his ninth defense, landed more big punches than Jonathan Rodriguez and put the challenger down to win a unanimous decision on the Jaron Ennis-Sergey Lipinets on Saturday in Uncasville, Conn.

However, Rodriguez, a relative unknown, made the case in defeat that he’s an elite 115-pounder but pushing Ancajas to the limit.

Ancajas (33-1-2, 22 KOs) got the better Rodriguez (22-2, 16 KOs) when he fought behind his jab and used his superior boxing skills, which he did at times.

However, the Filipino chose to stand toe-to-toe — or was forced to do so — much of fight, which made for an exciting battle and allowed Rodriguez to get in his licks.

The fight was essentially a back-and-forth war, with both boxers landing hard shots to both the head body. Many of the rounds were close for that reason.

Nothing had changed much by the middle of Round 8. Then a flurry of punishing blows from Ancajas forced Rodriguez to take a knee, which made it a 10-8 round.

The referee and Rodriguez’s cornermen asked him after the round whether he wanted to continue. He answered by getting the better of the champion from Round 9 to 12.

In the end, the knockdown didn’t matter. Ancajas, who hasn’t lost since 2012, won by scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112. Boxing Junkie scored it 116-112, eight rounds to four.

Ancajas said he hoped the fight would lead to showdowns with the biggest stars in the division, Juan Francisco Estrada, Roman Gonzalez and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai.

The victory puts him in a position to get those opportunties.

Sergey Lipinets’ plan on Saturday: Push Jaron Ennis ‘to the edge’

Sergey Lipinets’ plan on Saturday is to push Jaron Ennis “to the edge.”

Sergey Lipinets knows what he’ll be up against Saturday on Showtime.

Jaron Ennis, the Russian’s opponent in a scheduled 12-round welterweight bout, is one of the most gifted all-around boxers in the world. To defeat him would be a significant achievement and career booster.

Lipinets showed Ennis nothing but respect during a conference call Thursday.

He was asked whether his edge in experience could be a deciding factor in the fight. His response? Ennis has more professional fights than he has. If anything, he has fought better opposition.

Ennis, a powerful puncher, has never been past six rounds. Lipinets was asked whether his strategy would be to take his opponent into the later rounds. He answered by saying he expects Ennis to be ready to go 24 rounds.

Sergey Lipinets is coming off a draw with Custio Clayton on Oct. 24. Amanda Westcott / Showtime

Lipinets said through a translator that the lesson learned in his draw with Custio Clayton in October was “just don’t depend on judges.” Does that mean he expects to take out Ennis? His response: Of course every fighter wants to knock out his opponent.

Get the picture? No bravado, no bold predictions. Lipinets is simply a professional who has a job to do. That was tone of his interview.

“All we’re going to do is work consistently, keep throwing punches, keep coming forward, pushing ourselves to the edge, trying to push Jaron to the same edge,” Lipinets said through manager Alex Vaysfeld.

“Whatever it takes us to be the winner. We’ll see whose hand is raised up.”

Lipinets (16-1-1, 12 KOs) has had his hand raised in all but two of his fights, a one-sided decision against Mikey Garcia that cost him his 140-pound title in 2018 and a draw with Custio Clayton this past October.

The clear loss to Garcia – which some believe underscored Lipinets’ limitations — might be one reason he’s around a 9-1 underdog even though he has more experience than Ennis big fights.

That doesn’t matter to Lipinets, who said he’s focused on preparing properly for an important fight and not on the perception of outsiders. It goes back to being a professional: He’s ready to do his best in a fight that could lead to a shot at a welterweight title.

Vaysfeld feels the same way.

“I know how they look at him, I know what they think,” he said, referring to those who don’t give Lipinets much of a chance on Saturday. “I’ve told people before: Sometimes you look at a stepping stone … and you might trip over it. I wouldn’t count anybody out.

“Look what happened with Andy Ruiz and Anthony Joshua. … I’ve known Sergey from the get go. I know how he is. He’s not concerned at all?”

[lawrence-related id=19250,19219,19180]

Sergey Lipinets’ plan on Saturday: Push Jaron Ennis ‘to the edge’

Sergey Lipinets’ plan on Saturday is to push Jaron Ennis “to the edge.”

Sergey Lipinets knows what he’ll be up against Saturday on Showtime.

Jaron Ennis, the Russian’s opponent in a scheduled 12-round welterweight bout, is one of the most gifted all-around boxers in the world. To defeat him would be a significant achievement and career booster.

Lipinets showed Ennis nothing but respect during a conference call Thursday.

He was asked whether his edge in experience could be a deciding factor in the fight. His response? Ennis has more professional fights than he has. If anything, he has fought better opposition.

Ennis, a powerful puncher, has never been past six rounds. Lipinets was asked whether his strategy would be to take his opponent into the later rounds. He answered by saying he expects Ennis to be ready to go 24 rounds.

Sergey Lipinets is coming off a draw with Custio Clayton on Oct. 24. Amanda Westcott / Showtime

Lipinets said through a translator that the lesson learned in his draw with Custio Clayton in October was “just don’t depend on judges.” Does that mean he expects to take out Ennis? His response: Of course every fighter wants to knock out his opponent.

Get the picture? No bravado, no bold predictions. Lipinets is simply a professional who has a job to do. That was tone of his interview.

“All we’re going to do is work consistently, keep throwing punches, keep coming forward, pushing ourselves to the edge, trying to push Jaron to the same edge,” Lipinets said through manager Alex Vaysfeld.

“Whatever it takes us to be the winner. We’ll see whose hand is raised up.”

Lipinets (16-1-1, 12 KOs) has had his hand raised in all but two of his fights, a one-sided decision against Mikey Garcia that cost him his 140-pound title in 2018 and a draw with Custio Clayton this past October.

The clear loss to Garcia – which some believe underscored Lipinets’ limitations — might be one reason he’s around a 9-1 underdog even though he has more experience than Ennis big fights.

That doesn’t matter to Lipinets, who said he’s focused on preparing properly for an important fight and not on the perception of outsiders. It goes back to being a professional: He’s ready to do his best in a fight that could lead to a shot at a welterweight title.

Vaysfeld feels the same way.

“I know how they look at him, I know what they think,” he said, referring to those who don’t give Lipinets much of a chance on Saturday. “I’ve told people before: Sometimes you look at a stepping stone … and you might trip over it. I wouldn’t count anybody out.

“Look what happened with Andy Ruiz and Anthony Joshua. … I’ve known Sergey from the get go. I know how he is. He’s not concerned at all?”

[lawrence-related id=19250,19219,19180]

Jaron Ennis vs. Sergey Lipinets: What are the odds?

Jaron Ennis vs. Sergey Lipinets: What are the odds?

The oddsmakers evidently are convinced that Jaron Ennis is a special fighter.

The 23-year-old 147-pound contender is about a 9-1 favorite over Sergey Lipinets going into their fight Saturday on Showtime even though Lipinets is a former 140-pound titleholder and more experienced in big fights.

The 9-1 odds are a rough average of multiple betting websites. The odds on a draw are about +2200, or 22-1.

The fight headlines a card at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., which is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. The main event will take place later in the show.

Ennis (26-0, 24 KOs) is coming off a no-contest in December against Chris van Heerden, who was cut in the first round as the result of an accidental head butt and couldn’t continue.

Lipinets (16-1-1, 12 KOs) last fought in October, when he drew with Custio Clayton.

[lawrence-related id=19219,19180,16581,15019]

Jaron Ennis vs. Sergey Lipinets: What are the odds?

Jaron Ennis vs. Sergey Lipinets: What are the odds?

The oddsmakers evidently are convinced that Jaron Ennis is a special fighter.

The 23-year-old 147-pound contender is about a 9-1 favorite over Sergey Lipinets going into their fight Saturday on Showtime even though Lipinets is a former 140-pound titleholder and more experienced in big fights.

The 9-1 odds are a rough average of multiple betting websites. The odds on a draw are about +2200, or 22-1.

The fight headlines a card at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., which is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. The main event will take place later in the show.

Ennis (26-0, 24 KOs) is coming off a no-contest in December against Chris van Heerden, who was cut in the first round as the result of an accidental head butt and couldn’t continue.

Lipinets (16-1-1, 12 KOs) last fought in October, when he drew with Custio Clayton.

[lawrence-related id=19219,19180,16581,15019]

Jaron Ennis sees Sergey Lipinets as stepping stone to stardom

Jaron Ennis sees his fight against Sergey Lipinets as a stepping stone to stardom.

Jaron Ennis has been waiting eagerly for this sort of step-up fight.

The 23-year-old welterweight contender, who faces former 140-pound titleholder Sergey Lipinets on Saturday, has been beating up on second-tier opponents. He hopes a victory over a more-respected foe will put him on a collision course with the best at 147.

Ennis and Lipinets will fight at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. The card is on Showtime.

“I’ve been trying to get these kind of guys in the ring for two, two and half years, top guys, world champions, Top 10 guys. And it didn’t happen,” Ennis said on a conference call. “Now you’re about to see a different animal, a whole different beast.

“It’s time for me to do my thing. I’m really excited.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLILO-YGTiE

Ennis (26-0, 24 KOs) has been doing his thing since turning pro in 2016, which is to dominate one opponent after another with skills that some have compared to a prime Roy Jones Jr.

The Philadelphian appears to the eye to have it all – speed, athleticism, power, ring intelligence, a fighting spirit, you name it. He just hasn’t had the opportunity to prove it against a high-caliber opponent.

That’s where Lipinets (16-1-1, 12 KOs) comes in. The Los Angeles-based Kazakhstani is respected for his solid skill set and attacking style, which allowed him to win a junior welterweight title by outpointing Akihiro Kondo in 2017.

Lipinets’ only loss came by a unanimous decision against probable Hall of Famer Mikey Garcia in 2018, which cost him his belt.

A victory over Lipinets – particularly an impressive one – would demonstrate to fans and his rivals that he’s as good as he has appeared to be. And, as he said, it should lead to bigger and better things.

Ennis was willing to discuss his immediate future but circled back to the task at hand several times during the conference call. Fighters in general don’t look past the man or woman directly in front of them, particularly proven entities like Lipinets.

At the same time, Ennis’ exudes confidence. He’s not cocky; he simply has unwavering belief in himself.

And while he respects Lipinets and what he’s accomplished, he believes his opponent’s style is perfect suited to his. It will be as if Lipinets is walking face first into a chain saw, Ennis predicted.

“It’s picture perfect,” Ennis said. “He’ll be running into shots all night long. It will be a long night for him.”

Ennis also was informed that Lipinets had suggested Ennis might run from him during the fight even though the latter also fights aggressively. Ennis smiled at that notion, as if to say Lipinets is in for a surprise if that’s what he believes.

“They don’t’ know what I’m going to bring,” he said. “I’m an all-around fighter. They don’t know how I’ll fight, I fight several different ways. Why say stuff like that? They don’t know how I’m going to come. They just know they need to be ready.”

In other words: “I know what I’m capable of, I know what I’m going to do.”

Then, if things go well, it’s on to the Terence Crawfords, Errol Spences and Manny Pacquiao’s of the world. At least that’s the plan.

“After I do my thing on Saturday – make a big statement in high fashion – it’s only up from there,” Ennis said. “… It’s on to the bigger, better, elite fighters, the Top 3 guys, maybe a world title shot by the end of the year.

“I believe my ranking will be up. … It will be the start of me becoming a pay-per-view star.”

[lawrence-related id=19180,16581,16573,13985,13904,15019]

Jaron Ennis sees Sergey Lipinets as stepping stone to stardom

Jaron Ennis sees his fight against Sergey Lipinets as a stepping stone to stardom.

Jaron Ennis has been waiting eagerly for this sort of step-up fight.

The 23-year-old welterweight contender, who faces former 140-pound titleholder Sergey Lipinets on Saturday, has been beating up on second-tier opponents. He hopes a victory over a more-respected foe will put him on a collision course with the best at 147.

Ennis and Lipinets will fight at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. The card is on Showtime.

“I’ve been trying to get these kind of guys in the ring for two, two and half years, top guys, world champions, Top 10 guys. And it didn’t happen,” Ennis said on a conference call. “Now you’re about to see a different animal, a whole different beast.

“It’s time for me to do my thing. I’m really excited.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLILO-YGTiE

Ennis (26-0, 24 KOs) has been doing his thing since turning pro in 2016, which is to dominate one opponent after another with skills that some have compared to a prime Roy Jones Jr.

The Philadelphian appears to the eye to have it all – speed, athleticism, power, ring intelligence, a fighting spirit, you name it. He just hasn’t had the opportunity to prove it against a high-caliber opponent.

That’s where Lipinets (16-1-1, 12 KOs) comes in. The Los Angeles-based Kazakhstani is respected for his solid skill set and attacking style, which allowed him to win a junior welterweight title by outpointing Akihiro Kondo in 2017.

Lipinets’ only loss came by a unanimous decision against probable Hall of Famer Mikey Garcia in 2018, which cost him his belt.

A victory over Lipinets – particularly an impressive one – would demonstrate to fans and his rivals that he’s as good as he has appeared to be. And, as he said, it should lead to bigger and better things.

Ennis was willing to discuss his immediate future but circled back to the task at hand several times during the conference call. Fighters in general don’t look past the man or woman directly in front of them, particularly proven entities like Lipinets.

At the same time, Ennis’ exudes confidence. He’s not cocky; he simply has unwavering belief in himself.

And while he respects Lipinets and what he’s accomplished, he believes his opponent’s style is perfect suited to his. It will be as if Lipinets is walking face first into a chain saw, Ennis predicted.

“It’s picture perfect,” Ennis said. “He’ll be running into shots all night long. It will be a long night for him.”

Ennis also was informed that Lipinets had suggested Ennis might run from him during the fight even though the latter also fights aggressively. Ennis smiled at that notion, as if to say Lipinets is in for a surprise if that’s what he believes.

“They don’t’ know what I’m going to bring,” he said. “I’m an all-around fighter. They don’t know how I’ll fight, I fight several different ways. Why say stuff like that? They don’t know how I’m going to come. They just know they need to be ready.”

In other words: “I know what I’m capable of, I know what I’m going to do.”

Then, if things go well, it’s on to the Terence Crawfords, Errol Spences and Manny Pacquiao’s of the world. At least that’s the plan.

“After I do my thing on Saturday – make a big statement in high fashion – it’s only up from there,” Ennis said. “… It’s on to the bigger, better, elite fighters, the Top 3 guys, maybe a world title shot by the end of the year.

“I believe my ranking will be up. … It will be the start of me becoming a pay-per-view star.”

[lawrence-related id=19180,16581,16573,13985,13904,15019]