EIMANTAS Stanionis has a game plan devised and ready for Saturday when he takes on Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. Unlike many cagey fight week competitors, the Lithuanian is happy to share at least part of his approach when attempting to add Ennis’ IBF title to his WBA strap.
“All gas, no brakes,” grinned Stanionis when promoter Eddie Hearn asked him to describe what fans in Atlantic City would witness.
Despite his flamboyance and ring-based charisma, Ennis does not seem like a natural chatterbox. Both men were present and correct at the press conference earlier this evening to promote a unification clash that Hearn reckons has captured the attention of East Coast fight fans.
Ennis offered the first counterpunch of their rivalry, stating: “He said all gas, no brakes. Yeah, that’s what we want. He’s going to run right into a rock!”
‘Boots’ needs Stanionis’ title to continue his hunt for greatness and legacy, following in the footsteps of Sugar Ray Leonard and Floyd Mayweather. The great Floyd has some history at the iconic Boardwalk Hall, the venue for this April 12 clash.
Almost 20 years ago, Mayweather dissected Arturo Gatti in six rounds. While Gatti’s style was made to order, that performance remains one of Floyd’s most complete, punch-perfect displays of brilliance. Jaron Ennis sees a similar domination and knockout coming this weekend.
“I ain’t going to look for it [the knockout], but it’s going to come for sure. We’re going to have fun. We’re going to put on a show,” said the Philadelphian.
Stanionis also promises to provide a show-stealing performance. He is training not only for himself but for his family, as a new arrival threatens to appear before, during, or after Eimantas’ biggest fight to date.
“This camp was like my most brutal training. It was the longest. I sacrificed a lot. I leave my family. My wife is pregnant. The baby might come today or tomorrow,” he said.
Matchroom head honcho Hearn clarified, “I just want to confirm to fight fans making the trip down to Atlantic City and watching live on DAZN that if the baby does come, you’re not flying home or anything. We’re staying in Atlantic City, right?”
“Yes, yes, for sure,” laughed Stanionis. “We are prepared for everything.”
