If there were any doubts left, they may now be gone for good. Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is no longer an afterthought. In what was arguably the finest performance of his career, at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Ennis dominated the previously undefeated Eimantas Stanionis en route to a sixth-round stoppage and unified the IBF and WBA welterweight titles. For years, Ennis fought under the shadow of Terence Crawford. Critics questioned whether he could deliver, especially against an opponent as tough and seasoned as Stanionis. On this night, he answered emphatically.

Returning to the ring for the third time in twelve months, Ennis wasted no time imposing himself. He controlled the pace, range, and rhythm right from the opening bell. With the welterweight landscape shaken up, the road ahead has opened up wide. He could pursue further unification against Brian Norman Jr. and inch towards undisputed glory. Or opt to move up and test himself in a stacked division at 154 lbs. But what about Stanionis? For the Lithuanian, it’s back to the drawing board. Though he entered as a defending champion, he looked out of his depth. In the meantime, there’s growing debate over whether his corner may have pulled him out too early. Did they deny him a final shot at salvaging pride in a fight slipping away?

Shawn Porter speaks out

Former two-time welterweight world champion Shawn ‘Showtime’ Porter didn’t mince words in his reaction. For one, he had no doubts about the outcome. The writing on the wall was clear. However, he questioned the decision to end the fight in the sixth. “Not crazy about what the corner just did. Stanionis was getting beat, but he wasn’t getting beat down,” said the Cleveland, Ohio-born boxing commentator, who is expected to make a return (read sparring face-off) next month against an internet troll!

According to him, Stanionis deserved the chance to push through adversity. His corner shouldn’t have given up so easily. They should have continued to motivate him and allowed him to fight till the final bell. “YOU GOTTA BUILD YOUR FIGHTER UP AND SEE IF HE RESPONDS,” Porter added further.

But the statement reopened old wounds. Four years ago, Porter’s own final fight ended in eerily similar fashion. He suffered a 10th-round TKO loss to Terence Crawford after his father and trainer Kenny Porter threw in the towel following two knockdowns. History, it seems, has a way of circling back.

Jaron Ennis outclassed Eimantas Stanionis

Make no mistake. This was Ennis’ night. Known for his durability and grit, Stanionis was supposed to be Ennis’ toughest test to date. Instead, he was outboxed, outworked, and outgunned. From the opening round, Ennis showcased a superior jab, footwork, and distance control. He mixed his shots, jabs, body punches, and uppercuts fluidly. Gradually he broke down Stanionis’ stamina and confidence.

By the mid rounds, the damage was telling. Stanionis had swelling around the eye. He was bleeding from the nose. Even his best exchanges couldn’t slow Ennis down. The sixth round came. Ennis unloaded brutal combinations. It culminated in a knockdown that left Stanionis scrambling to his feet. Though visibly hurt, he nodded as if to say, ‘I’m still here!‘ But his trainer Marvin Somodio had seen enough. The only way out was to step in and protect his fighter from further punishment.

The debate may continue for some time. Was the stoppage premature? Or was it the right call for the long-term health of a fighter caught in a storm?

These moments are never easy. Hindsight tends to be clearer than the heat of the moment. As for Ennis, he continues his march toward greatness, looking every bit like the heir to the welterweight throne vacated by Crawford.

What’s your take? Should Stanionis’ corner have let him continue, or did they make the right call at the right time, even if unpopular?