Atlantic City, New Jersey, was the stage for an electrifying night of boxing on Saturday, April 12, 2025, as Jaron "Boots" Ennis showcased his immense talent by defeating Eimantas Stanionis via sixth-round TKO to unify the IBF and WBA welterweight titles. Ennis, who entered the ring with an unblemished record of 34-0, proved why he is considered one of the top fighters in the division, dominating Stanionis from the outset and leaving no doubt about his capabilities.
The fight took place at the historic Boardwalk Hall, a venue that hadn't hosted a major title fight since Sergey Kovalev defeated Bernard Hopkins in 2014. Ennis, a 27-year-old Philadelphia native, was determined to make a statement and solidify his place among the elite in the welterweight division, which had seen a significant shake-up following Terence Crawford's move up in weight after his undisputed title victory in July 2023.
From the opening bell, Ennis displayed superior speed and technique, using his jab effectively to control the distance and keep Stanionis at bay. "I was just getting in my groove, starting to get loose and have fun," Ennis said after the fight. His ability to switch between orthodox and southpaw stances added an element of unpredictability that kept Stanionis guessing.
Despite being the defending WBA champion with an undefeated record of 15-0, Stanionis struggled to find his rhythm against Ennis. The Lithuanian fighter had moments of success, including a few solid counter punches, but they were few and far between. Ennis consistently outlanded Stanionis, particularly in power punches, landing 23 to Stanionis' 9, showcasing his ability to inflict damage.
The fifth round marked a turning point in the fight, as Ennis landed a staggering 19 punches, 16 of which were power shots, according to Compubox statistics. The accumulation of punishment began to take its toll on Stanionis, who was bleeding from the nose and showing signs of weariness.
As the sixth round unfolded, Ennis ramped up the pressure, targeting Stanionis' body with a series of sharp left uppercuts. It was a flurry of punches that ultimately forced Stanionis to take a knee, a moment that indicated he was in serious trouble. Although he managed to beat the count, his corner, led by trainer Marvin Somodio, made the wise decision to stop the fight before the start of the seventh round, preventing further punishment.
Ennis' victory not only earned him the unification of the IBF and WBA titles but also solidified his status as the new face of the welterweight division. "I think I did make a statement," he remarked, acknowledging the significance of his performance. "When I fight top-of-the-line guys, you see a different me. When I’m fighting for something, it’s a whole different story. Can’t nobody mess with me."
Looking ahead, Ennis expressed his desire to continue unifying titles within the division. He mentioned potential matchups with WBC champion Mario Barrios and WBO titleholder Brian Norman Jr., but he also has a mandatory bout with Shakhram Giyasov looming on the horizon. Giyasov, who fought on the undercard, retained his position as the WBA mandatory challenger.
The co-main event featured another exciting matchup, with super featherweight contender Raymond Ford dominating Thomas Mattice in a unanimous decision victory. Ford, now 17-1-1, controlled the fight throughout, with all three judges scoring it 100-90 in his favor. Despite the one-sided nature of the bout, Ford expressed a desire for a more high-profile matchup in his next fight, targeting Eduardo Nunez for a bout that could elevate his status further.
In addition to the main card highlights, several other notable fights took place that night. Junior middleweight prospect Omari Jones made quick work of William Jackson, knocking him out in the first round, while welterweight Shakhram Giyasov scored a fourth-round KO over Franco Maximiliano Ocampo. The preliminary bouts also featured impressive finishes, including a second-round KO by Zaquin Moses and a first-round KO by Tahmir Smalls.
As the dust settles on this monumental night of boxing, Jaron Ennis has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division. With his sights set on undisputed status and a growing legacy, fans can anticipate more thrilling performances from this rising star. "I’m going to enjoy my victory, enjoy these belts," Ennis said, looking ahead to his next steps in the sport.
For now, the welterweight landscape is buzzing with excitement, and Jaron "Boots" Ennis has proven that he is not just a contender but a champion ready to take on the world.
