Ennis Breaks Stanionis Down To Increase Welterweight Supremacy

The Welterweight unification between undefeated world champions Jaron Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis was one that represented a step forward for a division still very much in transition. A transition that began with former undisputed champion Terence Crawford choosing to move out of the 147lb. Welterweight division to seek more lucrative opportunities as he is at a stage in his career where after successfully unifying two weight divisions, the Jr. Welterweight division, followed by the Welterweight division in the last several years, where it may be more about what fights will earn him the biggest money possible as well as those mythical “Legacy Defining" bouts, which are always subject to debate, rather than necessarily choosing to stay in one division and trying to dominate against all comers.

While almost all great fighters who establish Hall of Fame resumes as Crawford has eventually reach that point, what can be a challenge that can be an at times unwinnable one at least in the court of public opinion is for the fighters who remain to establish themselves as a division's next central figure without getting the opportunity to face the previous fighter with that distinction either because of that fighter moving out of the division or because of choosing to retire. Both Ennis and Stanionis found themselves in that position.

Despite this and the fact that both fighters are still at a stage in their careers where they are developing and trying to increase their name recognition value, this fight presented something of a rarity in the sport of Boxing that should be seen as refreshing. After all, it is not really common, if nothing else due to the politics that be in the sport to see two unbeaten world champions put not only their records, but also their respective world championships on the line, without the typical grandstanding/posturing that usually occurs, and without sufficient public demand that the fight takes place. Although this fight went against that all too often used formula, the sport will benefit from it as it allowed one of these fighters to take a step forward and in doing so, allowed the Welterweight division a necessary step towards determining it's next central figure.

On April 12th Ennis and Stanionis met at the legendary Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. Ennis, the IBF world champion, Stanionis, the WBA world champion. Only one would take a step forward, while the other would be forced to take a step back.

Ennis would quickly establish that he would be the fighter dictating how the combat would be fought by frequently getting his punches off first, often in combination, and forcing Stanionis to fight from behind a high defensive guard. What this accomplishes for fighters that are able to do this is one, it paints a clear picture as to who is dictating things, but it also significantly limits an opponent's ability to not only get their punches off consistently, but to also find a consistent offensive rhythm. In this case, Ennis was able to largely nullify one of Stanionis’ primary weapons, the jab and was able to control the fight largely by being the more active of the two fighters and keeping Stanionis defending against punches, rather than throwing his own consistently. 

As the fight progressed and Stanionis was able to apply pressure in trying to push Ennis back towards the ropes, the WBA world champion would find periodic success in landing hard hooks to the head of Ennis at points when the IBF world champion would drop his hands at times, which would would allow for an opening for Stanionis to land. 

Unfortunately for Stanionis, however, those moments would be sporadic at best and he was unable to quell Ennis’ offensive rhythm, as he gradually began to suffer the accumulative effects of a beating that Ennis was administering. In round six, a left hook to the body followed by some punches to the head that were partially blocked sent Stanionis down on one knee on the canvas. This was a scenario where even though he had gone down from a combination of blows, it was the hook to the body, which was the culprit in sending him down with a delayed reaction. 

With his nose bloodied and seemingly looking like a fighter who was suffering a beating, but had no answer for how to combat his opponent effectively, Stanionis showed his mettle by getting up from the knockdown and finishing the round. Having seen what was occurring and looking out for their fighter’s best interests long-term, Stanionis’ corner stopped the fight at the end of round six making Jaron Ennis the winner and now the unified IBF/WBA World Welterweight champion.

Ultimately, this fight was a step forward for Jaron Ennis, but one that arguably puts him in the position of now being able to dictate terms should either current WBC world champion Mario Barrios, WBO world champion Brian Norman, or IBO world champion Tulani Mbenge want to increase their stake in the World Welterweight championship and thus the Welterweight division as a whole. While certainly no disrespect is intended to any of these three world champions by this observer, because they are in fact world champions and deserve the respect that goes with it, neither of the three are really in a position where they could pass on a potential fight with Ennis based solely on name recognition value. Although all three fighters, Barrios, Norman, and Mbenge are world-class fighters, there still lacks the type of name recognition clout, particularly amongst casual fans that could see potential negotiations stall while the division’s four current world champions continue competing against other opposition in the normally crowded Welterweight ranks.

With the incentive that brought Jaron Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis to the table with each looking to increase their hold on the division still very much in the equation, the best both those of us who cover the sport as well as the public can hope for is that the Welterweights are once again on a path towards fully unifying the division and all the current champions should want the same goal to be Undisputed world champion and that will lead to further unification bouts taking place in a more streamlined way than the grandstanding approach, which usually results in fights taking several years to be made. Boxing as a whole will benefit greatly if that is the case. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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Follow-Up: DAZN's Three Upcoming Pay-Per-View Cards Now Available For Purchase

In a follow-up to the recent column discussing DAZN’s upcoming three pay-per-view Boxing cards, which will take place within a seven day period. All three events are now available to purchase on DAZN’s website. The first event, which will take place on Saturday, April 26th will be headlined by a long-awaited grudge match between sons of Hall of Fame rivals Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank, Sr., two-division world champion Chris Eubank, Jr. and Conor Benn, which will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England is available here in the United States for $24.99. This will be followed by back-to-back events on May 2nd and 3rd. First on May 2nd a tripleheader will take place outdoors in Times Square in New York City, NY featuring Ryan Garcia facing Rolando Romero, former two-division world champion Devin Haney facing former Jr. Welterweight world champion Jose Ramirez, and current WBO Jr. Welterweight world champion Teofimo Lopez defending his title against number one WBO contender Arnold Barboza for $59.99. On May 3rd, Super-Middleweight world champions Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and William Scull will meet in Saudi Arabia for the Undisputed Super-Middleweight championship of the world, which is also priced at $59.99. DAZN, however, is offering an option for both the May 2nd and 3rd events by offering consumers the option to either purchase both events separately at the aforementioned $59.99 per event or as a bundle for $89.99. All three events are available for purchase at DAZN.com We will have coverage of all three events in the coming weeks here on Stay tuned.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, to subscribe, and for region-specific pricing for select pay-per-view events please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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Muhammad Waseem Returns Home for Title Fight in Quetta Against Venezuela’s Wiston Orono

Press Release: April 15, 2025  By DHA QUETTA & Falcon Sporting Promotions- Quetta, Pakistan – The wait is finally over. Pakistan’s pride, Muhammad Waseem, is bringing world-class boxing to his hometown of Quetta for the very first time.

On May 10, Waseem will face Venezuela’s Wiston Orono in a 10-round showdown for the WBA World Gold Bantamweight Title, a bout that promises fireworks, legacy, and the roar of a home crowd behind the nation’s most decorated boxer. The historic fight will take place at the Quetta Polo & Saddle Club, promoted by Falcon Sporting Promotions, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of action.

‘The Falcon’, Waseem (13-2, 9 KOs) has flown high throughout his career, representing Pakistan on some of the biggest stages in boxing. Previously fought for the IBF World Flyweight Title — not once, but twice — going toe-to-toe with elite competition and earning respect across the boxing world for his slick style and precision punching.

Most recently, Waseem reignited his title chase with a third-round knockout win in Malta over Georgia’s Jaba Memishishi — a performance that reminded fans and critics alike that the Quetta-born southpaw is far from done.

With a title in sight and a sold-out crowd expected in Quetta, Waseem’s mission is clear: win on home soil, and inspire a new generation of Pakistani fighters.

“Fighting at home is something I’ve always dreamed of,” Waseem said in a recent interview. “This fight isn’t just for me — it’s for Quetta, for Pakistan, and for everyone who’s supported me since day one.”

Standing in his way is Wiston Orono of Venezuela, an experienced operator with a reputation for toughness. Orono has battled through Latin America’s boxing circuits and comes into the fight with momentum, fresh off a strong domestic campaign back home. While Orono may not have the same international profile, he’s hungry — and dangerous.

But this moment belongs to Waseem. From his stellar amateur career, to rising to world title contention, the 37-year-old has carried the flag with honour. Now, under the lights in Quetta, with the WBA Gold Belt on the line, Muhammad Waseem looks to deliver the performance of a lifetime in front of the people who made him.

Don’t miss it: May 10 at the Quetta Polo & Saddle Club.

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DHA QUETTA & Falcon Sporting Promotions Used with permission 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Muhammad Waseem To Headline A Historic Night Of World-Class Championship Boxing In Pakistan

Press Release: April 13, 2025 By DHA QUETTA and Falcon Sporting Promotions- Historic Night of World-Class Championship Boxing Set for Quetta on May 10, 2025. Headlined by National Hero Muhammad Waseem.

Credit: DHA QUETTA and Falcon Sporting Promotions

Falcon Promotions and Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Quetta, in association with MP Promotions are proud to announce a night of world-class championship boxing, on May 10, 2025, live from the Quetta Polo and Saddle Club, Pakistan.

In the main event, local hero Muhammad Waseem (13-2, 9 KOs) will compete for the WBA World Gold Bantamweight Title against Venezuela's hard-hitting Wiston Orono (16- 5, 14 KOs) over 12 rounds.

Pakistan’s Waseem, known for his exceptional speed and skill, aims to claim the prestigious title on home soil.

The co-main event showcases a battle for the WBA South Asia Welterweight Title, as Mexico’s Jesus Saracho (14-2-2, 11 KOs) faces Filipino puncher Joepher (19- 5-2, 17 KOs).

Saracho, looks to continue his ascent in the division after a majority draw to top prospect Luis Lopez in March 2025.

Also featured is the WBA South Asia Super Lightweight Title bout, with Morocco's Tarik Zaina (14-2- 1, 9 KOs) taking on the Philippines' Marvin Esquierdo (18-4-1, 11 KOs) over 10 rounds. This matchup promises a show-stealing contest between two highly skilled operators.

The UK's Alex Dilmaghani (20-3-1, 7 KOs) returns to the ring to face Dominican Republic’s Yermi Peralta (12-1-2, 8 KOs) for the WBA South Asia Super Featherweight Title, to be disputed over 10 rounds.

The card also features a middleweight contest, with Manchester's Jimmy Kelly (28-3, 10 KOs) squaring off against Thailand's Phithak Ritkaew (7-1, 5 KOs) over eight rounds.

Additionally, Bolton's Sahir Iqbal (11-1, 1 KO) faces Mexico City's Diego Carmona (13-3, 11 KOs) in another eight-round middleweight bout.

The undercard includes a six-round super featherweight bout between Pakistan's Shujat Manzoor (1- 1) and the Dominican Republic's Heimer Rosario (3-2, 3 KOs). Rosario, with a 100% knockout ratio in his victories, presents a formidable challenge.

Also on the card, Manchester's undefeated Bobby Faulkner (10-0, 2 KOs) faces the Dominican Republic's Brayan Suero Hernandez (5-5-1, 3 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight bout.

Scotland's Ryan Carlin (5-0) takes on the Dominican Republic's Markin Quezada Nuñez (2-3, 2 KOs) in a 6-round bantamweight contest.

Rounding out the evening are two four-round bouts featuring debutants: Komal Akhlaq faces Fatima Hazara in a super featherweight clash, and Nada Zareen Parvez meets Afsheen Javed in a featherweight contest, both showcasing Pakistan's emerging female boxing talent.

Falcon Promotions director Danny Vaughan discussed the partnership with DHA Quetta and their first event on May 10. Vaughan said, “I am thrilled for Falcon Promotions to be working alongside the great people at DHA Quetta to put on a world-class championship boxing event on May 10. I want to thank all the members of the DHA Quetta, as well as Muhammad Waseem for giving us this opportunity to make history and begin developing professional boxing in Pakistan”.

“We are hoping this will be the first of many events which will hopefully see Muhammad Waseem become the first Pakistan-born World Champion. Muhammad Waseem and Falcon Promotions, with the help of the DHA Quetta, hope to create a legacy, which will create a pathway for Pakistan to develop more world champions for years to come.”

Mr. Azhar Munir, Administrator DHA Quetta, added, "We are honored to partner with Falcon Promotions to bring this historic event to Quetta, Pakistan. This event is not only a testament to Muhammad Waseem's skills, but also a celebration of Pakistan's rich

sporting heritage. We look forward to hosting a thrilling night of boxing and showcasing the best of Pakistan's talent to the world”.

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DHA QUETTA and Falcon Sporting Promotions Used with permission 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

DR. PHIL’S MERITTV™ PRESENTS DOUBLE-HEADER WEEKEND FOR “TCL TEAM BOXING LEAGUE” LIVE MATCHES

 Press Release: By Merit TV - DALLAS (April 10, 2025) — Dr. Phil’s MeritTV, the multiplatform TV network founded by Dr. Phil McGraw, is set to air a live double-header for the TCL Team Boxing League this Friday, April 11, at 9 PM ET, followed by another bout on Sunday, April 13, at 3 PM ET, across broadcast, cable, streaming, FAST platforms, and the network’s free app, MeritTV.

 

The TCL Team Boxing League’s third season continues with high-energy matchups as teams composed of rising stars and veteran athletes go head-to-head in 12 different weight classes. With a team-based ownership model, every punch counts towards the team’s total performance, adding an exciting new dynamic to the world of professional boxing.

 

Live Matches on MeritTV:

Friday, April 11th, at the LA Elite Arena (Ukrainian Cultural Center):

9 PM ET – Las Vegas Hustle vs. Miami Assassins

Midnight ET – Phoenix Fury vs. Los Angeles Elite

 

Sunday, April 13th at Newton Athletic Club:

3 PM ET – Philadelphia Smoke vs. NYC Attitude

 

The following weekend features San Antonio vs. Houston, Dallas vs. Boston, Las Vegas vs. Nashville, and Miami vs. Atlanta. As part of a global media partnership announced earlier this year, approximately 20 weekends of TCL Boxing will air exclusively on MeritTV. The culmination of play-off rounds and final battles takes place throughout July and August.

About Dr. Phil’s MeritTV

Launched in April 2024 under the Merit Street Media banner, Dr. Phil’s MeritTV is a premier multiplatform television network spearheaded by Dr. Phil McGraw, the esteemed best-selling author and award-winning television host. MeritTV creates and distributes compelling content across diverse platforms, reaching audiences nationwide. This fully distributed cable, satellite, streaming, FAST TV (free ad-supported streaming TV channels), and free over-the-air broadcast media Network is also available via the free app MeritTV.

MeritTV boasts a rich tapestry of original and acquired programming, anchored by the nightly talk show “Dr. Phil Primetime.” Situated in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the expansive Merit studios span five acres and serve as the dynamic hub for the brand. Here, daily morning and evening live news broadcasts unfold, plus live breaking news, embodying MeritTV’s commitment to delivering engaging and informative content. Viewers can access the channel-finder link by entering ZIP codes at MeritTV.com.

Material and Video Courtesy of: Merit TV Used with permission 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Will DAZN's Three PPV Gamble Be Too Much For Boxing Fans?

Longtime readers know that one of the most consistent topics this observer has discussed over the many years that I have covered the sport of Boxing has been the pay-per-view model and more specifically, the increasing need for the sport, those who promote it, and networks that televise it to move away from a model that no longer benefits the sport and rarely offers value to consumers who support it. While I have at times been criticized for my stance that Boxing would be much better off in the long-term picture by adapting a reasonably priced subscription-based approach like what has already been established by digital streaming networks DAZN and ESPN+, my motivation has always been what will benefit the sport and help it grow and be more accessible to anyone who wants to see it regardless of economic scenarios one might find themselves in rather than any vested interests as I do not write or otherwise work for any other outlet or network outside of the one I own and operate here at The Boxing Truth®.

Even as my stance seems to have been increasingly validated as years have gone on as networks that have relied on the pay-per-view model have exited the sport since 2018, coincidentally the same year ESPN+ launched here in the United States and DAZN also entered the U.S. market, despite the sport being in the midst of a transition to being almost exclusively available via streaming, both in response to consumers looking to move away from traditional cable/satellite pay television, as well as general decline continuing in regard to pay-per-view buys, the model still remains more of an issue for the sport rather than a beneficial solution both for Boxing as well as consumers. Although I have been supportive of both DAZN and ESPN+ for each’s introduction of subscription-based alternatives to the model, I would not be objective if I said I have not also criticized both when they have ventured into pay-per-view, despite the evidence that it is not a profitable strategy for either in the now largely streaming-based era.

Many likely remember that when DAZN entered the U.S. market, the main pitch to consumers was pay-per-view quality Boxing events “Without The Pain of Pay-Per-View!" Their reasoning for eventually venturing into pay-per-view starting in 2022 was as a means to attract fighters and promoters who have insisted on the model to the negotiating table. It should also not be overlooked that at the time, much like many others businesses globally, DAZN was in the process of recovering from the effects of the global COVID-19 epidemic, so the move to what they insist is a “Selective/Sporadic" use of pay-per-view may have been seen and justified by some as a necessity.

As the pay-per-view model has continued to decline with the latest casualty being pay-per-view distributor InDemand preparing to cease operations by the end of 2025 ending 40 years as a primary pay-per-view distributor across cable/satellite providers in the United States and in recent years streaming via it's PPV.com platform, even as DAZN and platforms like Prime Video have continued doing periodic pay-per-view events, despite the evidence that it is not being embraced by consumers, one may be tempted to ask when will common sense enter the equation? More specifically, when will it no longer be ignored that things need to change as no doubt such stubbornness has to negatively impact the bottom line.

Perhaps the next example that will be used to illustrate the need to change will come in the coming weeks as DAZN will present three pay-per-view events in a span of one week.  First, on April 26, DAZN will air the highly anticipated grudge match between sons of Boxing legends Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn, two-time world champion Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn, which will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, which will be available for $24.99 here in the United States.

While that price point on it's own is certainly budget-friendly and a throwback to a time where most Boxing pay-per-view cards were priced under $30 and were less frequent throughout the 1980’s and part of the 1990’s, one might wonder how consumer-friendly the price might be when one considers that on May 2nd and 3rd back to back pay-per-view cards will be held also on DAZN.

First on May 2nd, a card headlined by a triple header featuring Ryan Garcia facing Rolando Romero, Devin Haney facing Jose Ramirez, and WBO Jr. Welterweight world champion Teofimo Lopez defending his title against Arnold Barboza will take place outdoors in Times Square in New York City. This will be followed on May 3rd when Unified WBO/WBA/WBC Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez will be attempting to become a two-time Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion when he faces undefeated IBF world champion William Scull in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Beyond the latter being the first time Alvarez has fought in the increasing hotbed of Boxing in Saudi Arabia and a significant shift in Alvarez not fighting on Cinco De Mayo weekend in Las Vegas, and the Times Square event bringing the overdue return of Hall of Fame broadcaster and longtime HBO play by play voice Jim Lampley to calling Boxing for the first time since HBO exited the sport in 2018, one would be justified in questioning if one or both of these events will be priced consumer-friendly considering that there will be a pay-per-view card just days before.

Although it should be pointed out that like any sporting event, some events will draw more eyes than others, the question here is will this gamble for DAZN be too much for Boxing fans given the state of economic conditions and whether these events will fit into one's budget. While it needs to be noted that all three of these cards are being promoted in part by the Riyadh Season group that has largely established Boxing’s footprint in Saudi Arabia and who has generally began to price their pay-per-view cards in a more consumer-friendly approach, the question that needs to be asked is how much is too much?

How much is too much not only in regard to the frequency of when these cards take place, how closely they are placed on the schedule to each other, and finally the price points to not only draw in the interest of the hardcore Boxing enthusiasts, but also the casual sports fan? For DAZN, the question should also be whether the value of a monthly or annual subscription to their network is going to be diminished by not only doing pay-per-view a bit more frequently than the pledge of “Selective/Sporadic?" Furthermore, is it a disservice to their network that is still growing to not include these events as part of a subscription to the network for existing subscribers? 

While price points for the May 3rd and 4th events have not been announced as of this writing, I do believe that if pay-per-view is going to continue to be used by networks/platforms that already have established subscription-based models that it should be used as a way to draw in consumers who may not be subscribed to try these networks. For existing subscribers, it should be either included with their subscriptions, which would be the more common sense approach, or should be offered to subscribers at a reduced price that should not exceed $30 regardless of who might be on the card. 

Under circumstances like this with three cards occuring within a week’s time, perhaps selling the three events as a package bundle with a budget-friendly price with a cap of under $60 should be something DAZN should consider. Unfortunately, numbers will continue to generally decline only with rare exceptions without adapting to the changing landscape. This includes folks who get on social media platforms and boast about how they will look for not so legal walk-arounds to access events that either do not fit within their budget or they simply have no interest in paying for.

Although I discourage such practices and pay the same fees as the average consumer to ply my trade, though I do sympathize with those who feel they have no other options to watch the sport they love, the way to reach those folks is not by continuing to rely on a model that consumers continue to reject and perhaps in spite of evidence continuing to resist change, which whether networks or promoters want to admit it or not will ultimately benefit them and the sport. Unfortunately until such realization occurs with networks having left the sport largely due to their over reliance on pay-per-view, with one network in ESPN perhaps either nearing an exit itself or a significant revamp in terms of their commitment to the spot by the end of 2025, it will be up to DAZN, who despite their growth, will have to make the decision as to how long they want to walk a tightrope by using a model that they were insisting on changing at the risk of alienating their subscribers not just here in the United States, but globally. At the risk of being unpopular, that is a gamble that may not be worth taking.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth." 

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Schedule Resumption Notice

We would like to let our readers know that we will be resuming our regular schedule on Thursday, April 10th. In the interim, any content that is sent in from promoters, networks, and others involved in the sport of Boxing will be made available to readers here on the website as they are sent in. Stay tuned.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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