Stanionis Wraps Up Training Camp in Lithuania, Heads to United States for Unification Clash with Jaron Ennis
Kaunas, Lithuania – WBA Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis (15-0, 9 KOs) is entering the final days of his training camp in his hometown of Kaunas, Lithuania, before heading to the United States to complete preparations for his highly anticipated showdown against Jaron “Boots” Ennis (33-0, 29 KOs). The two elite welterweights will battle for the IBF, WBA, and Ring Magazine World Welterweight Titles on April 12 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., live on DAZN.
Before departing for the United States, Stanionis, who fights under the TGB Promotions banner, has been training alongside his stablemates and mentoring young teens at the local after school program for troubled teens, an experience that has fueled his motivation for this career-defining moment.
“Spending these last days training at home with my gym mates and mentoring the young kids at the local afterschool program means everything to me,” said Stanionis. “I remember growing up with friends that were struggling, so I feel it’s my duty to help these kids out as best I can. Now, I’m here, and I want to show them that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.”
As the first Lithuanian-born world champion in boxing history, Stanionis is proud to represent his country on one of the sport’s biggest stages and hopes to bring home another major victory for his homeland.
“Every time I step into the ring, I carry Lithuania with me,” Stanionis continued. “This fight isn’t just about me—it’s about my country, my people, and the next generation of Lithuanian fighters. I fight with pride, and on April 12, I plan to make history once again.”
A win over Ennis would establish Stanionis as one of the premier forces in the welterweight division and catapult him into global superstardom.
“This is the biggest fight of my career, and a victory over Ennis will put my name alongside the best in the world,” Stanionis stated. “He’s a great fighter, but I’m coming to prove that I belong at the very top. This is my moment, and I won’t let it slip away.”
With his time in Lithuania coming to an end, Stanionis is looking forward to beginning the final phase of his camp in Los Angeles, where he will fine-tune his skills at the legendary Wild Card Boxing gym with coach Marvin Somodio ahead of the biggest fight of his career.
“Training in Los Angeles at Wild Card, with coach Marvin, will be the perfect way to sharpen everything up before the fight. The work I put in there, the elite sparring, will make sure I’m 100% ready to go on April 12,” he concluded. “I’m excited, focused, and prepared to leave everything in the ring.”
BEN WHITTAKER VS LIAM CAMERON REMATCH SET FOR EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 20TH AT BP PULSE LIVE IN BIRMINGHAM
Frazer Clarke returns to face Ebaneezer Tetteh as part of a stacked undercard that also features a mouth-watering super welterweight clash between Lee Cutler and Sam Eggington, and Tyler Denny back in action against Elvis Ahorgah
BIRMINGHAM, UK – Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron are set to renew hostilities in one of boxing’s most hotly anticipated rematches on Easter Sunday, April 20th at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham, presented by BOXXER, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.
Their epic bank holiday weekend showdown will headline a huge card in the Midlands that also features the return of Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke versus Ebaneezer Tetteh, a mouth-watering super welterweight clash between Lee Cutler and Sam Eggington, and former European Champion Tyler Denny back in action against ‘The Soldier’ Elvis Ahorgah.
In one of the most talked about moments of 2024, Whittaker and Cameron’s first fight ended in dramatic fashion with both men toppling over the ropes and outside the ring during the fifth-round of their light heavyweight clash.
With Whittaker unable to continue, the fight went to the judges’ scorecards resulting in split draw with two of the judges scoring the bout 58-57 either way and one judge scoring the fight even.
Turning professional under the BOXXER banner after claiming a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Wolverhampton’s Whittaker has established himself as one of the standout talents in world boxing, amassing millions of followers worldwide with his unique style and flamboyant showboating.
Cameron, also a decorated amateur having won multiple national titles, impressed against former IBO champion Lyndon Arthur last year to help set up a Riyadh Season showdown with Whittaker. The Sheffield boxer, who has been outspoken since the first fight, will not want to leave anything to chance as he looks to catapult his career forward by handing Whittaker his first defeat.
Ben Whittaker said: “This is an opportunity for me to give the fans a decisive result. There’s no doubt in my mind that this time, there will be no room for controversy. This time, we will finish it on my terms. To all the fans who supported me and even those that have doubted me, this one’s for you. April 20th, I’m home and I’m going to give the people something special.”
Liam Cameron said: “I’m pleased to get this fight confirmed. I feel like I was winning the last fight before he tried pretending to be a WWE star and pulled me over the top rope. I really believe I would have stopped him, but that’s in the past now, we’re ready to go on April 20th. I want to thank my manager and my promoters Frank and George Warren for helping to get this rematch over the line. I look forward to getting in there and finishing the job.”
RHYS EDWARDS SIGNS LONG-TERM PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH BOXXER
CARDIFF, UK (February 12, 2025) – Rising Welsh star Rhys Edwards has inked a long-term promotional deal with next generation promoter BOXXER.
Edwards (16-1, 4 KOs) has impressed on BOXXER cards in recent years. The 24-year-old from Penygraig scored a points victory over former British Champion Brad Foster in November 2023 before capturing the WBA Intercontinental belt with a unanimous points win over former WBA #1 Thomas Patrick Ward in front of his home fans in Cardiff in May 2024.
Stepping in at short notice, Edwards closed out 2024 by going toe-to-toe with Peter McGrail on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury II at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia in a fight that many felt the Welshman had done enough to win.
Having signed with BOXXER, Edwards joins a world-class stable of fighters including country women Lauren Price MBE, Chris Eubank Jr, Joshua Buatsi, Natasha Jonas, Ben Whittaker, Caroline Dubois, Chris Billam-Smith, Adam Azim, Frazer Clarke, Martin Bakole, Viddal Riley, Callum Simpson and Karriss Artingstall.
“It feels amazing to sign a long-term deal with a big promotion like BOXXER,” said Edwards. “They gave me my first chance on the big stage and have delivered me some very good fights so it’s nice to sign with them as they have been good to me.
“Getting the opportunity to fight Peter McGrail in Saudi Arabia was a surreal experience. It was a great fight, so big props to Peter as it takes two to tango. I thought I nicked it but I can’t argue either way. I learnt a lot about myself and showed my level.
“The fight against Ward in Cardiff was electric. The Welsh crowd really got behind me and I’m very grateful for that. I would love to headline a show back home by the end of 2025 or the start of 2026.
“I just want good performances and wins against good fighters and titles, and hopefully the British Featherweight Title before the end of the year.”
BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “We’re delighted to have secured Rhys’ signature. He has a very bright future ahead of him. I thought he won the McGrail fight. He landed the cleaner shots and on just three days’ notice, he showed his class. I know Rhys has big ambitions. Together with Lauren Price, I believe he can lead a resurgence in Welsh boxing and bring more big nights back to Cardiff.”
Paddy Donovan confident of defeating Lewis Crocker in All-Ireland fight March 1 in IBF World Welterweight
Title eliminator in Belfast
NEW YORK – In arguably the greatest All-Ireland pro boxing match of all-time, undefeated Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0, 11 KOs) is confident of defeating arch-rival Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (20-0, 11 KOs) in their March 1st showdown, streaming on DAZN live from The SSE Arena (Odyssey Arena) in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Much more than Irish bragging rights will be on the line for the 26-year-old Donovan, fighting out of Limerick, Ireland, the World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Welterweight Champion, and Crocker (20-0, 11 KOs), the 28-year-old World Boxing Association (WBA) Inter-Continental Welterweight Champion who will be fighting at home in Belfast.
The 12-round, main event winner of the Crocker vs. Donovan IBF welterweight title eliminator will become the No. 1, mandatory challenger for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Welterweight Champion, whether that is for current world welterweight champions Jaron “Boots” Ennis (33-0, 29 KOs – IBF) or Eimantas Stanionis (15-0, 9 KOs – WBA), who are scheduled to fight for the unified IBF and WBA crowns on April 12 in Atlantic City.
Crocker vs. Donovan has been brewing for a long time. They are both rising stars and world ranked: Donovan at IBF #5, WBA #6 and WBC #13; Crocker at WBA #3, IBF #5 and WBO #3.
“I will best Lewis Crocker because he has never fought anyone as good as me,” Donovan proclaimed. “I have all the tools to beat him. I’ll out-box and out-fight him. I do those things, he can’t, and I’ll show that on fight night. I have visualized the fight in my head many times. I believe that in real time, seeing me punch him to either the head or body.”
Donovan hasn’t fought since this past May 25, Crocker since last June 22. Both are promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Jumaane Camero is their only common pro-opponent with both winning six-round decisions.
“If you don’t love this matchup, then you don’t like boxing,” Donovan’s co-manager Keith Sullivan commented. “Given their power, aggressive styles, and toughness, it is going to be an explosive battle between two top fighters. No boxing fan should miss this. It is going to be an epic fight and has a fight-of-the-year potential.”
Sullivan, a New York City attorney and former Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Boxing Commission, co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, who is Paddy’s head trainer as well.
“I heard Lewis say Paddy was turning this into a North versus South rivalry,” Sullivan continued. “That is not the case at all. This fight will unite, not divide, people from all over Ireland, North and South, as they cheer on their chosen man of the night. I have relations in both the North and South, trust me, this fight is not about divisiveness, it transcends politics or sectarianism. Irish fans are knowledgeable, and they know a great fight when they see one. This fight is about two warriors putting it all on the line for a shot at the title while their native cities cheer them on to victory.
“Obviously, I see Paddy being victorious. I’ve heard all this talk about Crocker’s ‘experience’ and being a past five-time headliner. He was the main event on one card in a venue that seats a thousand. This is Paddy’s 15th professional fight, for Crocker’s 15th, 16th, and 17th fights he fought guys that had 61 combined losses. So come on, what’s all that chatter about. Paddy has no fear of Crocker’s experience. Paddy got to the level earlier in his career than Crocker did, so now a 20-0 versus a 14-0 is a great pairing for both at this stage of their careers. Don’t get me wrong, these are two talented and fierce boxers, but I believe Paddy has the edge in skill and power and he will have his hand raised in victory come March 1st.”
Donovan, a gifted southpaw, is dedicating this fight to Pieta, using his boxing platform to promote the suicide prevention charity that provides mental health services throughout Ireland. Paddy has lost two relatives to suicide. The Pietra Crisis Helpline, 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm and also supports those bereaved through suicide.
Canadian Super Middleweight Champion John-Michael Bianco to make first title defense
HAMILTON, Ontario, Canada – The next generation of Ontario boxers will be showcased March 29th on an event presented by Three Lions Promotion at Collective Arts Centre in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Canadian Super Middleweight Champion John-Michael “J-Money” Bianco (8-1, 4 KOs), of Mississauga, Ontario, will make his first title defense of the crown he captured September 30, 2023, when he stopped Samuel Moses (7-0, 6 KOs) in the seventh round.
A celebrated Canadian amateur boxer, the 31-year-old Bianco faces Brett Beaton (6-2, 4 KOs), fighting out of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia), in the eight-round main event.
“It’s great to see two Canadians competing for their country’s hardware,” promoter Daniel Otter (Three Lions Promotions) said. “It’s a great fight and may the better man win.”
Two of Canada’s leading prospects, middleweight Triston Brookes (9-0, 9 KOs) and lightweight Eric Basran (7-0, 3 KOs), will also be in action. Both will fight opponents to be determined in six-round matches.
Brookes, 31, has stopped each of his nine opponents as a pro. Also fighting out of Mississauga, Brookes was an outstanding amateur who won a gold medal at the 2019 Canadian Amateur Championships, in addition to securing silver medals at the 2018 Ontario Silver Gloves and Ontario Golden Gloves.
The 26-year-old Basran, who lived in Surrey, British Columbia, was a bronze medalist in the 2018 Gold Coast Tournament who represented Canada in the prestigious AIBA World Championships in Ekaterinburg, Russia.
Also fighting on the undercard in six-round matches are Mexican lightweight Meillyn “Cachis” Martinez (3-0, 1 KO), a two-time national amateur champion now living in Toronto, versus Silvia Duran (4-3, 3 KOs), while welterweight Dylan Taylor (3-0, 2 KOs) squares off against Dylan Rushton (3-14).
The card is subject to change.
STAR BOXING RESCHEDULES ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 50 SAT, MARCH 22ND
Huntington, New York – Boxing has announced the postponement of their highly anticipated Rockin’ Fights 50th Anniversary Event from Thursday, February 13 to Saturday, March 22, 2025, at The Paramount NY.
“Unfortunately, Joe Smith Jr. has the flu which has progressed to pneumonia so we have rescheduled the date of the event” said Joe DeGuardia, President and CEO of Star Boxing. “We wish him a full and quick recovery and look forward to his main event fight against Devonte Williams on the rescheduled date, for our Rockin’ Fights 50th Anniversary Event. The rest of the card remains intact for the new date of March 22nd.”
In an ironic twist, February 13 is a date that brings déjà vu to Joe Smith Jr. Joe’s world championship title fight against Maxim Vlasov, which was originally set for February 13, 2021, at the MGM in Las Vegas. Vlasov was diagnosed with covid thus postponing the matchup days before the fight. The fight was rescheduled for two months later, and Joe Smith Jr. captured the coveted Light Heavyweight World Championship defeating Vlasov in a memorable match on ESPN. So, while February 13 hasn’t been that good for the former world champ, it did lead to him becoming champion of the world, which is what Joe seeks now in the cruiserweight division.
The entire undercard will also be moved to the new March 22, 2025 date. In addition to Joe Smith Jr vs Devonte Williams, the March 22 show will feature an exciting undercard, including undefeated Micky Scala vs Victor Toney, KO ‘King’ David Malul vs Shaquille Rushing, Undefeated Yan Carlos Perez vs Sean Brewer, and GI Joe Elzey vs Jordy Gonzalez in a battle of undefeated prospects.
Photo by James Guirao
Stanford’s Dante Kirkman Returns to the Ring on March 8 at Thunder Valley Casino Resort
PALO ALTO, CA – Rising middleweight prospect and Stanford University senior, Dante “The Inferno” Kirkman (3-0, 1 KO), is set to make his 2025 debut on March 8 in a four-round bout against Jose Cruz of El Monte, CA. The fight will take place at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, CA, as part of the “Thunder Showdown II” event promoted by Nasser Niavaroni of Uppercut Boxing Promotions.
Fighting in Northern California, where his family, friends, and a strong Stanford contingent will be in attendance, is something Kirkman is embracing wholeheartedly. “It’s always special fighting close to home,” said Kirkman. “I know the Bay Area fans are going to come out strong for this one, and I can’t wait to put on a show for them. My goal is to end this fight early and march toward a busy 2025.”
Kirkman has also made waves at Stanford University, where he stands out as the only professional boxer in its history, balancing academics and athletics at an elite level. “There’s not another pro boxer walking around Stanford, or any other top college as far as I know, and I like to show kids that they can go far in life as a great student as well as a great fighter.”
A win over Cruz on March 8 would further solidify Kirkman’s status as a rising prospect in the middleweight division. “Every win matters at this stage of my career,” he concluded. “I need to keep stacking victories, improving, and making a name for myself in the sport. I want to fight at least five times this year. I’m looking to gain experience, keep building my record, and make my presence felt in the division.”
Three Lions Promotions Wins Jack/Rozicki purse bid – WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Badou Jack vs. Ryan Rozicki coming to Canada
MEXICO CITY, Mexico – The long wait is finally over for Canadian cruiserweight contender Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs). His promoter, Three Lions Promotions, won today’s World Boxing Council (WBC) ordered purse bid for WBC Cruiserweight Champion Badou “The Ripper” Jack (20-1-1, 19 KOs) versus Rozicki, its No. 1, mandatory challenger.
“We won the rights to promote the WBC Cruiserweight World Championship,” Dan Otter of Three Lions Promotions said. “We look forward to hosting the Jack vs. Rozicki world title fight this April in Canada.”
Three Lions Promotions was the lone bidder.
The 29-year-old Rozicki, who was born in Sydney (Nova Scotia) and lives in Hamilton (Ontario), is a heavy-handed Canadian slugger who has knocked out 19 of the 20 different foes (he fought one opponent twice) he defeated for an incredible 95-KO percentage.
Rozicki had been the mandatory challenger for then-WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Noel Mikaelyan (27-2, 12 KOs), but he failed to make a title defense, despite the WBC ordering fight mandatory challenger Rozicki, since he won the vacant WBC Cruiserweight world title in November 4, 2023, when he stopped Llunga Makabu in the third round. The WBC recently named Mikaelyan its “Champion In Recess”, elevating Jack who, ironically, had been the WBC “Champion In Recess.” Jack never defended the WBC title he captured February 26, 2023, with a stoppage of Makabu in the 12th round.
“It’s my time to win this title,” Rozicki commented. “I have waited long enough. It doesn’t matter where the fight takes place, I’m leaving with that belt.”
Ryan Rozicki is on mission to become the first Canada native to be world cruiserweight champion
Jack, 41, was a 2008 Olympian representing his native Sweden. He is a three-division world champion having also been a WBC Super Middleweight and World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight title holder. Jack is 5-0-2 (2 KOs) in world championship bouts.
CHAMPION RETURNS: JANIBEK ALIMKHANULY TO DEFEND IBF & WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLES IN HISTORIC HOMECOMING EVENT
Janibek Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 KOs) will defend his IBF & WBO Middleweight World Titles against unbeaten Anauel Ngamissengue (14-0, 9 KOs) on Saturday 5th April 2025, from Barys Arena, Astana, Kazakhstan.
The historic home-coming event, brought to you by newly founded Nomad Promotions in association with Top Rank, will be the first time a Kazakh Unified World Champion has defended their World Titles at home.
ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN – Undefeated Unified Middleweight World Champion, Janibek Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 KOs), is set to make history in his homeland as he becomes the first Kazakh Unified World Champion to defend his titles on home soil. This monumental night of boxing will take place on Saturday, 5th April 2025, in the heart of Astana, Kazakhstan. The event will be staged by Nomad Promotions, a brand-new promotions company making an unprecedented debut with this landmark occasion.
Billed as “Homecoming,” the event represents a defining moment for Kazakhstan, blending the country’s rich boxing heritage with the rise of a global star. Fans and fighters of Kazakhstan have been deprived of seeing their World Champions in the flesh. Stars such as Gennady Golovkin, and in his career to date Janibek Alimkhalnuly, have won and defended their titles predominantly in the US. This marquee event, created by Nomad Promotions, signifies a changing in the tide as fans across the region and around the world will now witness a champion’s return as Alimkhanuly defends his IBF and WBO Middleweight World Titles against the formidable Anauel Ngamissengue (14-0, 9 KOs).
Defending World Champion, Janibek Alimkhanuly, said: “Kazakh Style’ is finally coming home. April 5 will be a memorable night as I defend my WBO and IBF world titles against a top opponent. Many fighters turned down this opportunity, so I credit Anauel for accepting the challenge. My goal is to become the undisputed champion, and Anauel in my way. The fans in Kazakhstan and everyone watching worldwide will see something special.”
Kazakhstan boasts a proud tradition in boxing, with over 23 Olympic medalists and global legends such as Gennady Golovkin, Serik Sapiyev, and Vassiliy Jirov. However, this will mark the first-ever world title defense in modern history to take place in the country, showcasing Kazakhstan’s emergence as a force on the global boxing stage.
This groundbreaking event will be the debut promotion for Nomad Promotions, an ambitious company with a mission to elevate Kazakh boxing to new heights. Making history from day one, the event represents a bold statement of intent to bring world-class boxing to local fans.
Promoter, Scott Murray, of Nomad Promotions, said: “This is everything fight fans dream of. Two undefeated fighters, two world titles on the line, and one historic night. Organizing this historic night has been a labor of love for our team. We are committed to developing the sport of boxing in Kazakhstan, and there’s no better way to do that than by hosting a world title fight featuring our very own Janibek Alimkhanuly. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we are honored to be part of this milestone. It is going to be a great, historic moment for both the sport and the country and the first of many events we bring to Kazakhstan.”
Top Rank Chairman, Bob Arum, said: “Janibek is a supreme talent and the very best middleweight in the world,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He has tremendous support in Kazakhstan, and we are pleased that he’ll have the opportunity to defend his world titles in front of his adoring home fans. Anauel is a tough opponent, but Janibek is in a class of his own.”
French-Congolese Challenger, Anuel Ngamissengue, looks to follow in the footsteps of Ilanga Makabu by bringing the World Titles back to the Congo. The fierce punching middleweight brings an immense amount of confidence to the ring along with his unblemished record.
Undefeated Challenger, Anuel Ngamissengue, said: “Thank you for this long-awaited opportunity—after almost a year of fighting for a chance, this is the most important moment of my career. I know I’m going into the lion’s den, but I thrive in situations like this. I respect Janibek and everything he’s achieved, but I’m coming to Kazakhstan to crash the party and show the world that I belong at the top. See you on April 5.”
With his unbeaten record and growing legacy, Janibek Alimkhanuly continues to inspire as he leads Kazakh boxing into a new era. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event in April 2025, where sport and national pride will collide in an unforgettable spectacle.
In addition to the highly anticipated main event, fans can expect a stacked undercard featuring rising stars and local talent, as well as a showcase of the grassroots initiatives designed to inspire the next generation of Kazakh boxers. Further details, including the full fight card and ticketing information, will be announced soon.