World Championship duel in the legendary Boardwalk Hall: Ennis wants to dethrone Stanionis – and take the first step towards Mayweather’s legacy.
Jaron “Boots” Ennis (33-0, 29 knockouts) is on the verge of following in Floyd Mayweather’s footsteps – at least symbolically. On Saturday, the 27-year-old will fight Eimantas Stanionis (15-0, 9 knockouts) for the IBF and WBA welterweight world titles at the legendary Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City – the same venue where Mayweather won his first major world title against Arturo Gatti in 2005. “Atlantic City has so much history, moments, great fights. Floyd fought Gatti here. I want to write my own chapter here,” said Ennis in an interview with BoxingScene.
Stanionis is not just an opponent for Ennis, but his ticket to the elite welterweight division. With a win on Saturday, he could finally follow in the footsteps of Mayweather, Pacquiao and Crawford. After fights that did little to advance him – such as the rematch against Karen Chukhadzhian in November 2024, which he only completed due to IBF stipulations – Ennis is now electrified: “This is everything I’ve always wanted. It’s finally about what I deserve – the belts! No mandatory opponents that I’ve already beaten. Now I’m more motivated than ever.”
Time for a change of scenery
The fact that the fight is not taking place in Philadelphia, his home town, but in Atlantic City is a deliberate move: “I didn’t want to burn out Philly. Two fights in a row there – now it was time for a change. And Boardwalk Hall is steeped in history. I feel comfortable here.” Ennis is calm and focused: “I’ll come, no matter where. We could fight in his living room – I don’t care. I’m ready.”
His goal? Nothing less than a flawless performance – with a clear statement: “I’m going to put on a show. Have fun. Look great. No knockout pressure, but when it comes, it comes. Don’t get any popcorn, don’t move – keep your eyes open.”
Text by Robin Josten