Fans immediately welcomed the announcement of this bout — stylistically, it’s a contender for Fight of the Year. The ultra-technical Jaron Ennis against the sheer aggression and toughness of Eimantas Stanionis. Champion versus champion.

Stanionis is no gift for anyone. His pace, pressure, physical strength, and punching power are serious problems for any opponent.

However, it’s precisely Ennis’ style that looks like the key to unlocking a victory against such a fighter. Fluid movement, technical precision, speed, the ability to switch stances, timing, and power — Jaron possesses all of it at the highest level.

Jaron is 27 — three years younger. The level of opposition they’ve both faced is roughly comparable, but Ennis’ recent opponents appear to be more diverse in style than those of Stanionis.

There’s the experienced David Avanesyan, the tricky and awkward Karen Chukhadzhian, and the physically imposing Roiman Villa.

On Stanionis’ résumé, Radzhab Butaev and Gabriel Maestre offered similar stylistic fights. Since 2021, the Lithuanian hasn’t faced anyone stylistically different.

Both fighters also share a common opponent. In the spring of 2021, Stanionis fought Thomas Dulorme, going the full 12 rounds and winning by decision. Six months later, Ennis knocked out Dulorme in the first round.

According to the stats, both fighters are busy in the ring — but their activity looks very different.

Stanionis works heavily with power punches. His style is built around physical pressure and aggression — he presses, attacks, and throws with authority. It looks impressive but can be dangerous if the opponent is precise and cautious.

That’s exactly what Ennis is. Jaron isn’t just an accurate boxer; he’s accurate when attacking with power shots. If you stand in front of him and try to trade, you risk eating nearly everything he’s capable of delivering.

Here, the clear advantage lies with Ennis. Even though at one point in his career he openly admitted he felt he wasn’t fighting enough, he has still had more bouts than his opponent — two each in 2024 and 2023.

Stanionis was supposed to face Vergil Ortiz Jr., but the fight was postponed several times and eventually canceled due to the American’s physical issues. As a result, between 2022 and 2024, Eimantas had a massive layoff. His return fight didn’t impress — Gabriel Maestre isn’t the most skilled boxer in the world, yet Stanionis had to shake off ring rust right in the middle of the bout, making the fight much tougher.

Stanionis works a lot and works hard throughout the fight. But in terms of one-punch power, Ennis clearly has the edge. Jaron doesn’t just hit hard — he lands at the right moment and with pinpoint accuracy. That’s why he racks up knockouts far more often.

There are no real concerns about the durability of either fighter’s chin.

That said, Jaron rarely allows himself to get hit clean. Yet, in the rematch with Karen Chukhadzhian, one shot clearly bothered the American. Who knows what would happen if Stanionis connected the same way?

On the other hand, Eimantas takes punches — and not just a few. But he has never faced anyone who can hit as sharp and hard as Jaron. Just like Ennis has never dealt with the kind of sustained, technical, and physical pressure Stanionis can bring.

Stanionis has spent his entire professional career fighting in the U.S., so for him, this is just another city. However, he has never fought in Atlantic City.

Ennis, meanwhile, has an interesting stat: three fights in Atlantic City, three victories — all inside the distance.

This is exactly the fight Ennis wanted. He refused to move up in weight for a money fight against Ortiz because he wants to first become the undisputed champion in his division. As long as he can physically make the weight, he’s staying — and this is the first step toward that goal.

Stanionis hasn’t received the attention he deserves, considering his exciting style. But fans respect him. A win here wouldn’t just be a success — it would be a breakthrough after years of delays, pauses, and missed opportunities. But the task ahead of him is far from easy.