Eimantas Stanionis, the WBA world welterweight champion, understood from the start of his professional boxing career in America that defeat was not an option.
Despite having a name unfamiliar to many in the West, and a story that needed to be heard, Stanionis focused on proving himself through his boxing skills rather than relying on social media fame or creating controversy.
He earned his place on the global boxing stage through sheer hard work and talent, without any shortcuts or favors.
Now, as he approaches his unification fight with Jaron Ennis, this Lithuanian boxer, once unknown to many, deserves recognition for his arduous journey to the top.
“Since day one, coming to America for my professional career, I`ve been seen as the underdog,” Stanionis shared. “This pressure is positive because it motivates me to prove doubters wrong.”
“I knew that even one loss in America could mean the end of my boxing journey there, and I was determined to achieve success.”
“Growing up, I often lacked self-confidence. This fight against Ennis is incredibly important, not just for my supporters and country, but for my personal aspirations.”
Stanionis seems to thrive on being the underdog, as if it`s his natural role both inside and outside the ring.
Despite being a champion himself, IBF titleholder Ennis is widely favored in their upcoming match at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, this Saturday.
However, Stanionis will have the unwavering support of his entire nation, just as he has throughout his career, as he steps into the ring.
The extent of this support became evident when he returned to his hometown after winning the WBA title against Radzhab Butaev in 2022, receiving a hero`s welcome.
“In Kaunas, my hometown, everyone knows each other,” Stanionis explained. “Everyone wanted to take photos with me, and it was wonderful to return home and be celebrated as a hero.”
“It’s also inspiring to younger people, showing them that anything is achievable through dedication.”
Stanionis’s strong desire to achieve greatness makes him a particularly challenging opponent for Ennis, perhaps the toughest he has faced.
It was only after transitioning from MMA to boxing that Stanionis fully understood what was needed to fulfill his ambitions.
“I started MMA at eight years old,” he recounted. “My mother enrolled me to learn self-defense.”
“At 13, a friend of my mother introduced me to boxing because MMA had become too easy for me – I was constantly winning.”
“But when I started boxing, I faced real challenges and got beaten. I believe this drove me to improve and aim for higher achievements.”
