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February 15, 2023

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Stanionis and Ortiz Jr. Prepare for High-Stakes Welterweight Showdown in April

Eimantas Stanionis and Vergil Ortiz Jr. are set to battle it out in what promises to be an exciting match-up on April 29 at the College Park Arena in Texas. As the current ‘Regular’ world Welterweight champion of the WBA, Stanionis will defend his title against one of the most prominent contenders in the division, Ortiz Jr., who boasts an impressive unbeaten record of 19-0, with all of his victories coming by way of knockouts or stoppages.

The fight between Stanionis, 28, (14-0, 9 KO’s) and Ortiz Jr., 24, (19-0, 19 KO’s) was originally scheduled for March, but was postponed after Stanionis had to undergo an emergency appendectomy. The delay has only added to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the bout, which will now take place in front of a live audience at the College Park Arena.

This fight is particularly significant for both fighters, as they are both unbeaten and relatively young. The winner of this fight will not only retain the ‘Regular’ WBA Welterweight title but will also become the mandatory challenger for the ‘Super’ champion – unified Welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. (28-0, 22 KO’s) – of the division. This adds even more pressure to the fighters as they look to establish themselves as the best at 147 lbs.

Stanionis is coming into this fight on the back of a hard-fought split-decision victory over Rhadzhab Butaev (14-1, 11 KO’s), who was previously undefeated. The Lithuanian fighter earned the WBA ‘Regular’ title as a result of that victory, and was expected to face Errol Spence Jr. in his next fight. However, Ortiz Jr. was announced as his next opponent, and this has set up what promises to be an exciting clash of styles.

Ortiz Jr. is known for his power and his impressive record of knocking out all of his opponents. He is widely regarded as one of the most feared and youngest contenders in the division, alongside Jaron Ennis (30-0, 27 KO’s), another youthful American contender who has recently become the IBF mandatory to Errol Spence’s IBF title. His aggressive style of boxing is sure to test Stanionis, who is known for his technical ability and precise punching.

Stanionis and Ortiz Jr. Prepare for High-Stakes Welterweight Showdown in April image 1 — FORT WORTH, TEXAS – MARCH 20: Vergil Ortiz Jr. (R) fights Maurice Hooker for the WBO international welterweight championship fight at Dickies Arena on March 20, 2021 in Fort Worth, Texas. Ortiz of Grand Prairie, Texas is a seven-time national champion, winner of the 2013 Junior Olympics with a record of 140-20. Ortiz began his career at five years old when he was introduced to the sport by his father. (Photo by Sye Williams/Golden Boy/Getty Images)

Overall, the upcoming fight between Eimantas Stanionis and Vergil Ortiz Jr. is one that boxing fans are eagerly anticipating. With both fighters in their prime and with so much at stake, this promises to be an unforgettable night of boxing.