Eimantas Stanionis was due to square-off with Vergil Ortiz Jr this month in Texas, sadly for the Lithuanian welterweight the fight was scrapped due to an injury to Ortiz Jr.
Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) talks exclusively to ProBox TV News from his now paused training camp in California.
“He had some sickness, the same one as he had before.” Stanionis said. “We were looking for some replacements to fight on April 29. Two days ago they told me, they said it will be rescheduled.”
Stanionis was clearly down in our conversation. But had no ill-feeling towards Ortiz Jr, despite concerns about the fight ever making it to the ring.
“It’s different than an injury, he has a sickness.” Stanionis continued. “It is part of the game, it’s not basketball, you do have to take care of your health. He’s had this sickness a second time, I don’t know what is going to happen moving forward. I hope everything will be good, they said this can happen from cutting weight. Thing is, we are five weeks out from the fight? If this happens again it is really bad.
“It’s really hard for me having to leave for the U.S to training camp, it’s expensive. You spend a lot of money, stay away from family because of your goal. Now everything has fallen apart. I do wish him a speedy recovery though, but I’m really disappointed right now.”
Stanionis had hoped for a replacement opponent on April 29, however this has not come to fruition. The undefeated man sits waiting and wondering in the meantime.
“I was hoping they could find me someone for the 29th, I haven’t fought in a year.” Stanionis added. “I like to be active, but this year has been unfortunate for me. I was supposed to fight Keith Thurman in December, but then they were looking for other options. It’s been a mess, one year without a fight.”
Stanionis won a WBA title last year against Radzhab Butaev, a moment he was expecting to propel him into stardom.
“It feels like I was in a better place without winning a world championship.” Stanionis laughed to himself. “I am just waiting for the fight to be rescheduled, I’m under obligation. They are talking about July, we will see.
“We are looking at options. I know that Keith Thurman is next in line, so maybe him. I am focused on Vergil for now, I’ve had my heart set on this fight.”