Eimantas Stanionis vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr. Fight Card, Odds, & Predictions

After two postponements for the WBA World Welterweight title showdown between reigning champion Eimantas Stanionis (14-0) and challenger Vergil Ortiz Jr. (19-0) due to injuries and illness, the bout finally goes down this Saturday, July 8, inside AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. This will be Stanionis’ first title defense after winning the golden strap in April 2022.

14-0 🆚 19-0#StanionisOrtizJr | July 8 | Live on DAZN 🍿 pic.twitter.com/hUvdAjQuQi

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 4, 2023

Although he is the reigning champion, the Lithuanian is tagged as the betting underdog in boxing odds at +300 , as he will be fighting in the hostile crowd in Texas, where the challenger is from and resides. Speaking of the challenger, Ortiz Jr. is the favorite at -400, not only because he has the full support of his home crowd but also due to his 100% perfect finishing rate.

Eimantas Stanionis Recent Fight Results

Eimantas Stanionis was a former Olympian who represented Lithuania during the 2016 Rio Olympics before turning professional in April 2017 and knocking out Rasheed Olawale Lawal in the opening round. Since that successful debut, the 28-year-old piled up 12 straight victories, including eight TKO/KO finishes. The only dent on his record was a no-contest result against Luis Collazo in August 2017.

Because of his perfect record, Stanionis finally earned his first crack at the title in April 2022, when he was pitted against Radzhab Butaev for the WBA World Welterweight title, and he maximized the opportunity by beating Butaev on his way to a split decision win. The Kaunas, Lithuania native wants to fend off the challenge from Vergil Ortiz Jr. to retain his belt and be the first fighter to beat him.

Eimantas Stanionis beats Radzhab Butaev by SD. Congratulations 🔥🥊 #AndTheNew WBA Welterweight Champion @E_Stanionis 🇱🇹🥊🔥 #Boxing #Boxeo #WBA #WBABoxing #ButaevStanionis pic.twitter.com/G6lEix2xAF

— WBA Boxing (@WBABoxing) April 17, 2022

Vergil Ortiz Jr. Recent Fight Results

Vergil Ortiz Jr. was a decorated amateur in the United States, having won multiple medals in National Silver Gloves Championships from 2012 to 2016 before transitioning to the paid ranks in July 2016. Since his pro debut, Ortiz Jr. has destroyed all his opponents, scoring TKO/KO finishes in 19 fights.

So far, this perfect campaign has gained the 25-year-old several titles like the NABF Junior Super Lightweight title, the WBA Gold World Welterweight title, and the WBO International Welterweight title. Due to this dominant run, the now-Grand Prairie, Texas native is out to prove that he is ready to be a world champion and break a spot in boxing’s pound-for-pound rankings.

The hands of Vergil Ortiz. 👀#StanionisOrtizJr is LIVE on DAZN, July 8 pic.twitter.com/uGjF8s4hPc

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 4, 2023

Eimantas Stanionis vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr.: Tale of the Tape

Eimantas Stanionis vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr.: Fight Analysis

Vergil Ortiz Jr. will enjoy two inches of height and reach advantages over Eimantas Stanionis in their upcoming WBA title clash, as he stands at 5-foot-10 with 70 inches of reach compared to the defending champion’s 5-foot-8 and 68 inches frame. Both are relatively young and at the height of their fighting careers, under 30 years old, but the challenger has a perfect 100% TKO/KO percentage, while Stanionis owns 64%.

The two undefeated welterweights share several styles, as both fight in orthodox stances and use their power jabs to try and back up their opponents to the ropes. Once the opposition succumbs to these power jabs, both Stanionis and Ortiz Jr. can immediately press forward and pour down the head and body combinations.

Despite the similarity in their fighting style, there are also a number of differences between the two, with the defending champion being a cerebral and calculated boxer compared to the challenger, who comes out aggressive right from the opening bell. This contrast has made both Stanionis and Ortiz Jr. effective and unbeaten.

With both being a pressure-forward fighter and a boxer that throws a lot of power jabs, it is interesting to see how the fight will turn out because Stanionis doesn’t concede the center of the ring when fighting; instead, he shells up with his solid defense which eventually tires out and frustrates his foes. The Lithuanian also does a good job of blocking punches using his arms and gloves.

Another thing to look out for in this bout is how early Ortiz Jr. can land his signature combinations and power punches, thus inflicting damage to the defending champion. This is key for the 25-year-old Texas native because he usually loads up on all of his punches, and he hasn’t seen the full 12 rounds of a match, as he usually finishes his opponents, (evident to his 100% TKO/KO) and cardio might be an issue with him especially in the later rounds.

If Stanionis can weather the expected early onslaught from Ortiz Jr. and let fatigue soak him in the championship rounds, he can wear him down with his fundamental and precise approach. But the one-shot power of Ortiz Jr. can alter a different outcome, and the fight might see an early end, with the challenger dethroning the reigning champion.

The patience, experience, and maturity of the Lithuanian champion will play a key role in containing and neutralizing the power of Ortiz Jr. Aside from his defense and own power shots, it will ultimately be his main weapon in fending off this latest challenger, who is expected to beat him and be the next big name in the 147-pound division.

Eimantas Stanionis vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr.: Date and Start Time

July 8, 2023, 7 p.m. PT

July 8, 2023, 9 p.m. CT

July 8, 2023, 10 p.m. ET

Eimantas Stanionis vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr.: Fight Prediction

Official Prediction: Unanimous decision victory for Eimantas Stanionis.

See the entire Eimantas Stanionis vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr. odds and wagers here.