Eimantas Stanionis

Eimantas Stanionis is a professional boxer from Lithuania. He was raised in Kaunas by his mother, Aiste, after his father left when he was just two years old. Growing up in Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, Stanionis had a difficult childhood. He was raised by his mother, Aiste Dzidolikiene, and his maternal grandparents. As a hyperactive eight-year-old, he often got into street fights, claiming, “I was always winning, winning, winning.” It was his mother, whom he describes as the toughest person he knows, who took him to a local gym to help channel his energy. He began training in mixed martial arts before transitioning to boxing at the age of 13.

Stanionis had an impressive amateur career, achieving a record of 141 wins in 160 fights. He won two youth national titles, four senior national championships, and earned a gold medal at the 2015 European Championships. Additionally, he captured international youth gold medals at the Amber Gloves, the Danas Pozniakas Memorial, and the Brandenburg Cup. His talent led to a spot on Lithuania’s Olympic team for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, where he reached the second round before losing to Shakhram Giyasov, the eventual silver medalist from Uzbekistan.

Stanionis debuted professional in 2017 and came in hot sprinting to a 4-0 record, which included three knockouts. In 2019, he achieved a significant victory over Eboli Luis Hernandez, followed by a dominant performance in 2020 against Justin DeLoach, further establishing himself as a top contender. In April 2022, Stanionis won his first world title, defeating Radzhab Butaev by split decision to claim the WBA (Regular) welterweight belt. He successfully defended that title in May 2024, beating the undefeated Gabriel Maestre. His toughest challenge came in April 2025 when he faced rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis in a unification bout for the WBA and IBF welterweight titles. Unfortunately for Stanionis, he suffered his first career defeat by eighth-round TKO.

Stanionis missed the birth of his first child to prepare for the Ennis fight. In an interview, he reflected on the structure that boxing provides, saying, “When I’m not training, I feel like I lose control.” From the cold streets to the championship ring.

He employs a very calculated style in both his jab and right hand. Eimantas Stanionis doesn't constantly throw full-power shots; instead, he patiently waits until his opponent is against the ropes before unleashing his power. His key weapons are the short lead uppercut and the lead hook, which he uses effectively to inflict damage while maintaining a high guard for self-defense. He often pushes his opponents to the ropes, pushing them to the brink of defeat.

While not a volume puncher, Stanionis possesses a snapping jab that allows him to select his shots with precision. He exhibits remarkable fluidity in transitioning between his punches, which has helped popularize the 1-3-2 combination.

Arguably, the most potent weapon in his arsenal is the short lead hook, which complements his high guard and enables him to control the center of the ring effectively. The power he generates with this punch compels his opponents to reconsider fighting in the standard ring position, often forcing them against the ropes. His ability to change rhythms and execute breaking combinations further wears down his opponents, both mentally and physically, ultimately leading to stoppages, winning rounds, and thrilling fans, much like the Lithuanian lion himself.

This performance is legendary, echoing the roar of another Lithuanian Lion. Stanionis has held the WBA (Regular) welterweight title since 2022. As an amateur, he clinched a gold medal at the 2015 European Championships in the welterweight division. Although he lost to Shakhram Giyasov of Uzbekistan, who went on to become the 2016 Summer Olympics silver medalist and the 2017 World Amateur Champion, Stanionis demonstrated his skill and determination. He made his professional debut on April 9, 2017, against Rasheed Olawale Lawal, securing a first-round knockout victory.