Jaron Ennis extended his record to 30 knockouts and no defeats in 34 professional fights

Ennis Stops Stanionis in Brutal Fashion to Unify Welterweight Titles

Jaron Ennis proves he’s the real deal with dominant win to become unified welterweight champion

Atlantic City is no stranger to big nights in boxing, but on this particular evening, it witnessed something special. Jaron “Boots” Ennis stepped into the ring with a point to prove, and by the time he walked out, he’d unified the welterweight titles with a performance that will live long in the memory. In front of a raucous crowd, Ennis dismantled Lithuania’s Eimantas Stanionis with a ruthless display of speed, power, and ring IQ that culminated in a sixth-round technical knockout.

Ennis, who entered the ring as the IBF welterweight champion, now adds the WBA belt to his growing collection. At just 27 years old, the Philadelphia native is not only undefeated but rapidly becoming a major force in the division—and in the sport itself.

Ennis delivers on a dream

After his victory, Ennis was almost eerily calm as he reflected on what he had just achieved. “What’s crazy is that I had a dream I was going to stop him just like this, and it came true,” he said, smiling through the sweat and adrenalin. For a man with 34 wins and no losses, this wasn’t just another tick in the win column—it was his most important statement yet.

This fight marked the third successful defense of the IBF title he claimed back in November 2023, but it also marked a huge leap forward. Unifying titles is never easy, and Stanionis, despite being the less flashy of the two fighters, came into this bout with an undefeated record and a reputation for durability.

But Ennis made sure that all changed.

A quick start turns into a brutal finish

Stanionis began the fight with intent, landing two clean overhand rights in the third round that momentarily slowed Ennis’ momentum. Up until that point, the American had been dictating the pace, controlling the distance with his jab, and picking his shots carefully.

The third round served as a brief reminder that Ennis wasn’t in for a walkover, but his response in the following round was emphatic. The fourth saw Ennis ramp things up, snapping Stanionis’ head back with his jab and beginning a sustained assault to the body.

That change in strategy would prove decisive.

Bodywork breaks down the champion

Ennis stops Stanionis to unify welterweight titles

By the fifth round, the tide had well and truly turned. Ennis was in complete control, stalking Stanionis around the ring and punishing his ribs every time he dropped his hands to protect his head. The crowd at the Boardwalk Hall could sense what was coming, and so could Stanionis’ corner.

In the sixth, it all came apart for the Lithuanian. Ennis trapped him against the ropes and unloaded a flurry of body shots, each one landing with thudding precision. Stanionis dropped to one knee in pain, clearly struggling to breathe, but bravely got to his feet before the count was up.

He survived the round, barely. But that was it. His trainer, Marvin Somodio, had seen enough.

Corner waves it off – the right call

While Stanionis had never tasted defeat before, his corner’s decision to stop the fight was met with support rather than criticism. Somodio, knowing his fighter better than anyone, chose to prioritize his long-term health over pride.

It was the right call. Stanionis looked like a beaten man by the time the sixth round ended—hurt, exhausted, and unable to keep Ennis off him. There’s no shame in losing to a fighter like Ennis, especially when he’s operating at this level.

For Stanionis, now 30, the loss ends a 15-fight unbeaten run and his reign as WBA welterweight champion, which began in 2022. But with his grit and strong fundamentals, there’s every chance he bounces back in future bouts.

Ennis enters boxing’s elite conversation

Boxing Results: Jaron Ennis Stops Eimantas Stanionis To Become Unified Champion

This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.

Ennis didn’t just beat a fellow champion—he broke him down methodically, dismantled him round by round, and forced a stoppage through sheer dominance. There were no lucky punches or flash knockouts here. It was all calculated, all technical, all Ennis.

He now moves to 34-0 with 31 knockouts and, perhaps more significantly, into the top tier of the welterweight division. With names like Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr., and Vergil Ortiz Jr. still looming large, Ennis now has a seat at the table—and he’s hungry for more.

“I want all the belts,” he said confidently post-fight. “Give me whoever has them. I want to be undisputed.”

What’s next for ‘Boots’?

After such a convincing win, the natural question is: where does Ennis go from here?

There are several enticing options. A unification bout with WBC or WBO titleholders would be the most logical step if politics can be navigated. Crawford has teased a move up to 154 lbs, which could open the door for a new era in the division—an era that Ennis looks ready to dominate.

There’s also the possibility of a big-money fight with someone like Spence or Ortiz, which would draw major attention and test Ennis against proven names. Based on his performance in Atlantic City, few would bet against him.

Stanionis: Down but not out

Despite the defeat, there’s no doubt that Stanionis remains a player in the welterweight division. The 2016 Olympian has shown enough throughout his career—both amateur and professional—to suggest that he’ll come again.

And after absorbing the kind of punishment he did on Saturday night, he’ll surely take some time to recover and reassess. But in a sport where resilience is currency, Stanionis has plenty in the bank.

Atlantic City’s boxing legacy lives on

Atlantic City has a long history with boxing, and this bout adds another thrilling chapter. From the heyday of Mike Tyson to Arturo Gatti’s wars, the city has always been a backdrop for big fights. Ennis’ performance against Stanionis fits right in with those classics.

The energy in the crowd, the stakes, the drama—it all made for one unforgettable night.