Eimantas Stanionis

Eimantas Stanionis was born on 17 August 1994. Despite growing up fatherless and in challenging circumstances, he discovered the inner strength that would ultimately help him create a lasting legacy, much like his fellow countryman, the tennis great Vitas Gerulaitis, known as "The Lithuanian Lion."

Stanionis' journey to greatness was deeply rooted in his upbringing as a tough kid with an even tougher mother. Raised by his mother from the age of two throughout his childhood and adolescence, Eimantas often found himself involved in street fights. It was his mother, AIste, who decided to enroll her son in mixed martial arts, where he eventually uncovered his talent for boxing at the age of 13.

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.