Eimantas Stanionis said he has spent the past two years training as if he had received a call that his next fight was just six weeks away.
So when it was announced this week that he would defend his welterweight title for the second time against two-time Olympian Gabriel Maestre of Venezuela, Stanionis agreed to compete.
“It was really tough,” Stanionis said Thursday of Premier Boxing Champions’ May 4 pay-per-view for the undisputed super middleweight title bout between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Jaime Munguia. -Told reporters gathered at the View undercard match. -Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) will open the pay-per-view with his first defense of the belt since winning the belt via split decision over Radjav Butaev in April 2022.
During that time, undefeated Vergil Ortiz was absent for several reasons, including withdrawing from the fight against Staniosis due to illness. “(The handlers) were saying, ‘Next month, next month, next month.’ I was a professional and I was always looking forward,” Stanionis said. “I would be happy if I could step into the ring.”
In the match against Maestre (6-0-1, 5 KOs), Stanionis will face a top-class amateur, both of whom won split decisions at the 2015 World Championships in Qatar before advancing to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The maestre pointed to his burly 41-year-old compatriot Ismael Barroso as proof that additional experience gained as an amateur can produce an outstanding professional. For example, Barroso’s near-upset of recently defeated 140-pound champion Rolando “Laurie” Feature Romero.
“Unification is my goal and my dream,” Maestre said, noting that interim welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios will compete in the co-main event on the May 4 card, as well as new titleholder Jaron. “Boots” Ennis talks about potential future opponents for the Stanionis-Maestre winner.
For Stanionis, his return to the ring begins with a humble assessment. “Nobody remembers me, so I’m going to do a great job,” he said.
For Staniosis, who has used his time off to further hone his skills, opening such a high-profile card is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to earn a convincing win and fill a vacancy in the welterweight division. Recent competitors include undisputed champion Terrence Crawford, former three-belt champion Errol Spence Jr., and former titleholders Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia.
“I’ve been training really hard and I’m really hungry for the ‘W,'” Stanionis said. “Everyone in my country asks me every time I see them: “When are they fighting?” I say, “Nothing has changed.” I want to give something to the great fight. I have improved myself.
Ashley’s opinion:
After returning to the ring after a two-year layoff, Eimantas Stanionis is buzzing with anticipation and excitement as he prepares to defend his welterweight title against Gabriel Maestre. Despite setbacks and delays, Stanionis continued to train hard, preparing for his moment in the spotlight once again. Stanionis, who has an impressive 14-0 record, cemented his presence in the welterweight division with a standout performance in the super middleweight title fight between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Jaime Munguia. I’m trying to. His opponent, Maestre, is a familiar challenger who has faced Stanionis in the amateur ranks. As Stanionis prepares for his first title defense, he realizes the importance of making a lasting impression and reintroducing himself to the world of boxing. His determination to showcase his improved skills reflects his commitment to his craft and desire to make a major impact on the welterweight division. As the welterweight division changes with the expected departures of top fighters like Terrence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr., Stanionis believes he has an opportunity to establish himself as a prominent figure in the division. . By seizing this moment and delivering his captivating performance, Stanionis aims to elevate his status and pave the way for his future opportunities, including a possible unification fight. When Stanionis steps into the ring, he carries the hopes and expectations of his fans, eager to witness his return and continued growth as a fighter. With a win in his sights, Stanionis is ready to make a statement and stake his claim to the top welterweight spot.
