Eimantas Stanionis looking to snuff veteran welterweight Luis Collazo
For his next in-ring challenge, rising welterweight contender Eimantas Stanionis (13-0, 9 KO’s) will face Luis Collazo (39-8, 20 KO’s). The two will test their wits and brawn on August 7 on a FOX telecast. The hard-hitting Lithuanian boxer is looking to snag the victory and claim another knockout, if possible. In his last bout, against Thomas Dulorme, Stanionis was stretched to the limit and claimed a unanimous decision win. Prior to that match, however, he had enjoyed a streak of four consecutive KO’s.
Collazo, 40, will also mark the second consecutive premium name that Stanionis has taken on. It’s clear that his team is grooming him to take another significant jump in competition, soon. As an amateur, Stanionis racked up an impressive record of 141-19, 0 KO’s. Aside from this, the Lithuanian pugilist won two youth national titles, the 2015 European Championships and he qualified for the 2016 Olympic games in Rio.
Presently, the undefeated fighter is ranked #1 (WBA). With the strategic ranking, Stanionis, 26, is in prime position to press for a showdown with regular WBA 147-pound champion Jamal James or WBA Super world welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas.
For the well-weathered Collazo, this bout is a bit more dire. The tricky Brooklyn southpaw is coming off a loss and has not competed in nearly two full years. Yet, in that last fight, Collazo lost by technical decision after being unable to continue due to a cut caused by an accidental headbutt. Provided that he beats Stanionis, and looks good doing it, he will no doubt blow new life into his career. On the other hand, if Collazo takes a thumping or is stopped, the calls for his retirement will only grow louder.
By: Bakari Simpson
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