Atlantic City, New Jersey – Jaron Ennis made good on his promise on Saturday night with a performance that shook up the welterweight division. The 27-year-old boxer from Philadelphia, known as Boots, unleashed a dominating display at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, seizing the IBF and WBA welterweight titles with a sixth-round technical knockout victory over Eimantas Stanionis.
Ennis, undefeated in his career at 35-0 with 30 knockouts, had been touted as the future of the 147lb weight class. However, lingering questions about his ability to deliver a defining performance were put to rest as he dismantled Stanionis, a durable Lithuanian fighter who had never before been knocked down in his professional career.
From the opening bell, Ennis showcased his command of the ring, utilizing his speed and precision to outmaneuver Stanionis. By the sixth round, Ennis’s relentless body shots and powerful combinations proved too much for his opponent, leading to a decisive victory.
The win not only solidified Ennis as a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division but also signaled a shift in the landscape of the weight class. With Ennis now holding two of the four major welterweight titles, the prospect of unifying the division looms large for the rising star.
Ennis’s performance at Boardwalk Hall drew comparisons to past glory days of championship boxing in Atlantic City, where the sport once thrived. The electrifying atmosphere, with a crowd of nearly 10,000 fans in attendance, harkened back to a time when the city was a hub for title fights and boxing stars.
Looking ahead, Ennis’s future in the sport remains uncertain as he contemplates a potential move to the 154lb weight class. However, for now, he is savoring the moment and the recognition that comes with being the present, not just the future, of the welterweight division.
With his victory over Stanionis, Ennis has not only established himself as a top contender in the welterweight division but has also given Philadelphia boxing fans a new champion to rally behind. The win was more than just a title defense—it was a statement of Ennis’s arrival at the pinnacle of the sport.
