Boxing fans who were looking forward to the end of 2022 were left empty-handed. Instead of two hyped fights, they are facing the prospect of seeing none. However, one of the canceled fights may have brought the Lithuanian boxing star and WBA champion Eimantas Stanionis closer to securing another belt.
That canceled fight between the IBF, WBC, and WBA unified champion Errol Spence (28-0-0, 22 KOs) and the WBO belt-holder Terrence Crawford (38-0-0, 29 KOs) was supposed to take place in October, then it was postponed to November, and a few days before Stanionis (14-0-0, 9 KOs) was due to fly to the U.S., the event was canceled altogether.
Since unified title fights always take precedence in boxing, Stanionis was forced to wait for his fight with Spence. However, on Monday, when reports emerged that the clash between the two Americans would not take place, the Lithuanian team immediately submitted a petition to fight for the WBA super title.
However, so did another man to whom Spence also owes a fight – IBF champion Jaron Ennis.
“I have the right to fight Spence first because I chose the tougher fight with Butaev and gave my place to Ugas (27-5-0, 12 KOs), so there are no questions,” the Lithuanian boxer explained. “But in boxing, many miracles can happen.”
There were media reports that Stanionis has vacated his place for the WBA Super title twice this year. However, the first time, instead of fighting the then-WBA champion Yordenis Ugas, the Lithuanian simply opted for a fight with Radzhab Butaev, which offered better conditions. And the second time he was forced to give up his place because boxing gives precedence to fights for all belts.
“Many people wrote that I gave up the fight twice and got money, but unfortunately the reality is that I got a better contract to fight Butaev. In addition, the winner was promised a fight with Spence unless he fights Crawford for all the belts. Then I would have been forced to wait. That is what happened.”
“Strange things are happening in boxing that sometimes I don’t understand and don’t have the power to control.”
On Monday, the 25-year-old Lithuanian shared a post on his Facebook account saying that “It’s going to be an exciting week.” This raised the hopes of Stanionis’ fans that the negotiations with Spence have moved forward.
“There is no contact for today, but we are waiting to see what Spence decides – whether he will let go of his belts and move up in weight class or fights me. So right now I’m just waiting for news. There should be more clarity this week, but as I said, I don’t know what conversations are going on behind the scenes.”
Overall, there were two high-profile fights this year – Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury and the before-mentioned Spence vs. Crawford. Unfortunately, neither of these fights will happen.
The news of fight cancellations and unsigned contracts has angered boxing fans and the media has reported on the stagnation and irrelevance of the sport.
“Sport doesn’t get popular when things like this happen. That’s why I really like the UFC and how they do the rankings and the belt fights. It’s simple and clear. In boxing, there is no clarity, which is sad.”
Various rumors surround the negotiations between Crawford and Spence. According to Crawford, he was interested in the fight taking place, but Spence’s team delayed the situation. However, shortly after the reports of the breakdown of the talks, Crawford already had an opponent in the unheard-of European champion David Avanesyan.
According to reports, Crawford will receive $10 million to fight him.
“I just want to fight, but since I have earned my position through hard work, I also want to get the money I deserve,” said Stanionis when asked what kind of a deal would satisfy his needs.
Although the first talks between Crawford and Spence broke down, there are reports in the foreign press that the fight could take place in March next year. This would mean that Stanionis’ challenge for the WBA super belt would be pushed back to at least the end of 2023.
“There won’t be a fight between them, so there’s no need to think about it. Now I am in a good position and my managers have to resolve this situation with Spence’s team.”
Just as Stanionis has applied to fight him, in September Stanionis’ team received a petition from the rising American boxing star Virgil Ortiz, who has finished all his 19 fights by knockout.
“Everybody petitions to fight, but nobody talks to TV or the organizers. I swear I haven’t turned down any fights, but I am not responsible for organizing them. I just want to fight. Whatever they offer me, I will accept. And who will be my next opponent – in this chaos, it is not clear yet, it is the job of my managers to clear it out. “
E.Stanionis does not rule out the possibility that Spence could vacate his belts and simply move up to a higher weight category. The Lithuanian dreams about it too.
“Of course, I plan to. I became the world champion in this weight category. I want big fights in it, but my plan is to become champion in two weight classes. That would be ideal and that’s what I’m aiming for.”
It is not yet clear how the negotiations between E.Stanionis and E.Spence will turn out and who will be the next opponent of the best Lithuanian boxer. However, the WBA champion himself is already looking forward to stepping into the ring, no matter who will be standing in the other corner.