The goal for Eimantas Stanionis was a simple one, become a world champion. While technically he would go on to achieve said goal, defeating Radzhab Butaev via split decision earlier this year, with only the WBA “Regular” title in his possession, the 28-year-old was anxious to secure a major trinket.
Although Errol Spence Jr. was placed firmly on his radar, Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) allowed the Dallas, native to attend to somewhat bigger matters. While he was initially reluctant, Stanionis accepted a step-aside deal from team Spence, allowing the 32-year-old to take on Yordenis Ugas in a three-belt unification bout.
In doing so, Stanionis claims that he was promised to face the winner in his next ring appearance. However, having spent the past several months waiting for his opportunity, Stanionis has concluded that a showdown against Spence simply isn't on the cards.
In an effort to placate their “Regular” belt holder, the WBA sanctioning body has informed him that a mandatory title defense against Vergil Ortiz Jr. has officially been ordered.
Now, the two sides will be asked to secure terms to an agreement that would see them square off by January 16th, 2023. Although promotional barriers remain in place, Stanionis is hopeful that a showdown against the hard-hitting contender can come to fruition.
“I hope so," said Stanionis to BoxingScene.com when asked if he believes he'll face Ortiz next. "But you never know in boxing.”
Much like Stanionis, Ortiz is optimistic that a matchup against his welterweight contemporary can become a reality. Following a banner year in 2021, which included victories over Egidijus Kavaliauskas and Maurice Hooker, Ortiz (19-0, 19 KOs) would enter the ring just once during in 2022. Although activity eluded him, the 24-year-old would make the most of his lone appearance.
On August 6th, in the main event slot in Dickies Arena, in Fort Worth, Texas, Ortiz pummeled Michael McKinson, resulting in a ninth-round stoppage win. Firmly believing that his welterweight resume warranted championship consideration, Ortiz urged the WBO sanctioning body to enforce a matchup against current belt holder, Terence Crawford.
Nevertheless, with Crawford set to take on fringe contender David Avanesyan, Ortiz has welcomed the idea of matching up against Stanionis. Should the pair work out their promotional differences and meet in the center of the ring, Stanionis admits that facing his younger rival will induce the sort of mind-numbing fear that’s needed to push him to his limits during training camp.
“I like his fighting style. He’s tough guy, he’s strong guy, I can take nothing away from him. He's a really good fighter. Stylistically, it’s going to be a big, big war. But that's what excites me and that's what wakes me up in the morning to do extra work, to train harder.”
