Eimantas Stanionis overcomes tough Thomas Dulorme
Boxing is filled with prospects, from highly decorated amateurs to the middle-of-the-pack, often-overlooked amateurs. On Saturday April, 10, one of boxing’s unheralded prospects takes a huge step up in competition. Eimantas Stanionis (12-0, 9KOs) will take on former WBO Junior Welterweight title challenger Thomas “Thomas Cordero” Dulorme (25-4-1, 16KOs).
Stanionis, a 2016 Lithuanian Olympian, had a very good amateur career, compiling a record of 141-19. He won numerous amateur titles, winning a gold medal at the European Olympic qualifier which earned him a trip to the 2016 Olympic Games. A few years prior to his 2016 Olympic run, he would win gold medals at the Slovakian Youth Grand Prix, the Amber Gloves tournament and the Danas Pozniakas Youth Memorial tournaments in 2011. In 2012, he would continue his amateur success winning gold medals at the Brandenburg Youth Cup and the Algirdas Socikas tournaments, and a bronze medal at the Klitschko Brothers Youth Tournament.
As a pro, Stanionis has built a reputation as a pressure fighter with a good jab, solid power and as a good body-puncher.
For Thomas Dulorme, this is a chance to stay relevant in a crowded and growing welterweight division. He has fought the likes of Terence Crawford, Jamal James, Yordenis Ugas, Jesse Vargas and Hank Lundy. Dulorme has the experience in this bout, however he is not as youthful and fresh as his opponent. He is 1-2-1 in his last four fights, with the only win coming against Terrel Williams in 2019. More recently, he lost to James by a unanimous decision in 2020. He also suffered a loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2017 and fought to a draw with Vargas in 2018.
Stanionis’ previous three fights have been ten rounders. However, he would be taking part in his first twelve rounder in his pro career. Will that play a part in the outcome if it goes the distance?
This fight is very important, for both men are looking to secure a title shot in this WBA title eliminator. Stanionis is ranked number 10 while Dulorme is ranked number 14.
COMING IN HOT!
Both men opened the fight aggressively coming forward behind good, sharp, stern jabs. Stanionis, known for his pressure, would do just that. He threw overhand rights and left hooks to the body of Dulorme. The Puerto Rican was quick on his toes, often turning the Lithuanian fighter. He would see success with hard, thumping body shots, left hooks and right hands of his own.
The third round was interesting due to the fact that experience was on full display from Dulorme. Knowing he needed to stay off the ropes, he did just that, being fluid on his feet while keeping his hands moving. Stanionis, not used to this movement from a fighter on this level, would begrudgingly elect to follow his opponent instead of cutting off the ring.
After six rounds, the bout was a close affair. Dulorme continued having success as he would fire punches with both hands to the head and body, even switching to southpaw. Stanionis, still applying pressure, started to uncork his left hook, doubling up and knocking the sweat out of Dulorme’s Afro!
PRESSURE-BREAKING CONFIDENCE!
Pressure bursts pipes, and the pressure from Stanionis was starting break down the body of Dulorme! That stiff jab, which followed ill-intentioned body shots, started getting to the veteran. The non-stop pressure from Stanionis had to start to shake the confidence of Dulorme, who was still moving but not letting his hands go nearly as much!
Bleeding from a cut to his left eye, Dulorme would inform his corner his vision was affected! What would they do? Send him out in round 12 with a chance to win what had been a close fight. Sensing his man was severely tired and hindered by a cut, Stanionis would pour it on, trying his hardest to get him out. He mixed left hooks and right hands that would play tag off the sides of Dulorme’s face!
Stanionis would win this bout via unanimous with the scores being 115-113, 116-112 and 117-111.
Overall, this was a good performance and well-needed fight for Stanionis, who is looking to make some major noise in the welterweight division moving forward. For Dulorme, he showed that he still has enough gas in his tank to compete. Although, his days as a top contender appear to be over and done with.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
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