Yordenis Ugas vs. Eimantas Stanionis - Terms Agreed

[Ruthless-RKO]

Ugas-Stanionis, James-Butaev Ordered As Part Of WBA Welterweight Box-Off

A four-man box-off has been ordered in the weight division responsible for the WBA taking steps to clean up its act.

The Panama City-headquartered sanctioning body has called for a title consolidation tournament in the welterweight division, with WBA “Super” champion Yordenis Ugas and WBA “World” titlist Jamal James now committed to separate mandatory title defenses. A resolution was reached on Thursday, calling for a single titlist to be identified by no later than end of March 2022.

Ugas is required to next face Eimantas Stanionis, while James is locked into an overdue mandatory defense versus Radzhab Butaev. From there the winners are required to meet to create one WBA-recognized welterweight titlist.

“The championship committee call(s for a) Box-Off as necessary for WBA Welterweight division in order to have one champion,” Carlos Chavez, chairman of WBA Championship Committee declared in the final resolution, a copy of which has been obtained by BS.com. “Based on the hierarchy of WBA rankings the eligible boxers are: Yordenis Ugas (“Super Champion”), Jamal James (“Regular Champion”), Radzhab Butaev (“official challenger”) and Eimantas Stanionis (“leading available contender”).

“In accordance to the previous resolution, Jamal James shall box official contender in Radzhab Butaev by November 2021. Yordenis Ugas must defend the title against the next leading available contender Eimantas Stanionis within 120 days from the date of this resolution. The Super Champion must box the regular champion by the end of March 2022.”

Minneapolis’ James (27-1, 12KOs) has been locked into a mandatory title defense versus Russia’s Butaev (13-0, 10KOs; 1NC) since receiving an upgrade from WBA “interim” to WBA “World” welterweight title claimant. The promotion came February 4, well ahead of recent developments that has seen the sanctioning body since declassify all previous interim title claimants.

Despite maintaining his title status, James has yet to make his way back to the ring since first putting a belt around his waist. That moment came last August, when he outpointed Dulorme over twelve rounds in their classified WBA “interim” title fight atop a PBC on Fox telecast from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Six months later came the upgrade to “World” titlist along with instructions to enter talks for a showdown with Dulorme. No word has since followed as to when they are expected to meet, with the WBA taking additional steps to force everyone’s hand in moving this fight over the line.

“If the bout has been agreed the delivery of the contracts is requested,” noted Chavez to all involved parties.

Butaev is owed a title shot following his controversial loss-turned-No-Contest versus Alexander Besputin in their November 2019 vacant WBA “World” welterweight title fight. The outcome was nullified after Besputin tested for the banned substance Lingandrol, resulting in his being stripped of the title.

The original order called for Butaev to face Ugas, though the unbeaten Russian—now based out of Brooklyn—agreed to what was intended as a stay-busy fight. Butaev scored a third-round knockout of Terry Chatwood on a PBC on FS1 telecast last December at Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles, but has since spent his time waiting for a fight with James to materialize. The two now have until the end of November to make that happen.

Ugas (27-4, 12KOs) is coming off a career-best win, having outpointed the legendary Manny Pacquiao over twelve rounds in their August 2021 Fox Sports Pay-Per-View headliner in Las Vegas. The opportunity came on short notice for Ugas, who stepped in to replace injured WBC/IBF welterweight titlist Errol Spence (27-0, 21KOs)—who suffered a torn retina requiring immediate surgery—after being scheduled to appear on the undercard. The 35-year-old Miami-based Cuban was due to face Argentina’s Fabian Maidana, who withdrew due to suffering a cut during training camp.

The timing worked out perfect for Ugas, who held the WBA “Super” title that Pacquiao argued was wrongly removed from his possession. Pacquiao was downgraded to WBA “Champion In Recess” after failing to respond to repeated requests from the sanctioning body aiming to confirm his plans after having not fought since July 2019. The debate proved moot once the bell sounded, as Ugas won by unanimous decision in by far his most high-profile fight to date.

With that comes somewhat of a step backwards, though no less of a challenge for the defending titlist.

Stanionis (13-0, 9KOs; 1ND) has angled for a title shot since the year began, further pleading his case following a twelve-round win over former title challenger Thomas Dulorme this past April in Uncasville, Connecticut. His most recent bout wasn’t as productive, as Stanionis—who represented Lithuania in the 2016 Rio Olympics—was denied a developing win over former titlist Luis Collazo, who was unable to continue after a clash of heads ended their August 7 PBC on Fox headliner inside of four rounds. The bout came to a close at 2:21 of round four, just thirty-nine seconds shy of an official fight by which point Stanionis would have won a technical decision.

Instead, the end result was a No-Contest, though atop a card where another welterweight bout forever changed the manner in which the WBA now conducts its business.

The evening’s chief support saw Venezuela’s Gabriel Maestre (4-0, 3KOs) take a highly questionable twelve-round, unanimous decision win over Mykal Fox (22-3, 5KOs) to claim the WBA “interim” welterweight title fight. The horrendous decision garnered a swarm of negative publicity, including but not limited to judge Gloria Martinez-Rizzo—whose scorecard of 117-110 in favor of Maestre warranted immediate banishment—exposed for her history of racism, which was found in violation of the WBA’s Code of Ethics.

The manner was addressed by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC), who also drew attention to the WBA’s sordid history of crowning multiple titlists per weight division. The WBA has since agreed to clean up its act, which has resulted in a number of title consolidation bouts and box-offs having been ordered, along with the removal of “interim” titles as most of the previous claimants were since installed as mandatory challengers in weight divisions where one did not already exist.

“Boxers and promoters are obliged to know and be familiar with all [WBA] rules, as part of WBA goals of “[enhancing] the sport of boxing”, “with impartial, honest and fair” [principles], “make boxing a prestigious sports activity with credibility and institutional recognition” and “help to improve the image of boxing through the appreciation, enjoyment and positive perception on behalf of the public,” notes Chavez. “If the Champion in Recess or prior Interim Champion is unwilling to participate in a contest to determine a sole champion in the division” both or a portion holder may lose their recognition.

“In the alternative, the Championships Chairman may order a Box-off between four available ranked boxers (WBA rule 31). Since the past “multi-champion” policy establish[ed] a new hierarchical order, the top contenders and mandatory will be considered to participate.”

While all involved parties are expected to participate in lieu of the WBA any longer granting favors resulting in multiple titlists, a grievance procedure does exist within the sanctioning body’s by-laws. However, James-Butaev is already well past the deadline and will have to move forward absent either side abandoning the process altogether.

Ugas would love nothing more than to enter another major PPV headliner. However, his options are limited. There exists little public demand for a rematch with Pacquiao. Spence remains in recovery mode following his eye injury. WBO welterweight titlist Terence Crawford is committed to a November 20 mandatory title defense versus Shawn Porter, who barely edged Ugas in their March 2019 WBC welterweight title fight.

All things considered, entering a tournament that ensures—with wins—two fights in the next nine months beats waiting around for one that is not guaranteed to materialize. It also beat the alternative of not having a title at all to defend or fight for, regardless of any other next step considered by the four welterweights assigned to this tournament.

“If a boxer declines to participate in a Mandatory Defense, Elimination Bout, or Box-Off, his title may be vacated, or he may be demoted, or removed from the rankings,” declares Chavez. “The committee will have three business days to appoint the next eligible boxer to participate.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Both PBC.

Should be easy to make..

[joshj909]

How long does the WBA keep up this act. This behaviour seems too good to be true.

[Ruthless-RKO]

How long does the WBA keep up this act. This behaviour seems too good to be true.

They’re surpassing WBC!!

So far so good..

[DrDuke]

What a farce.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Probably get Spence-Thurman at year end.

[Enlightened-One]

Apart from one bout, Stanionis' resume since 2019 is fairly respectable.

He probably hasn't done enough to earn a world title shot yet, but worse fighters have worn the same shoes as those he's currently wearing.

It's weird to see people outraged by Stanionis receiving a title shot, but no one seems bothered about Filip Hrgovic allowed to engage in an IBF final eliminator, even though the Croations resume is vastly inferior than Eimantas'.

[margaret thatcher]

dont mind this fight at all tbh, stanios is a fresh young cat for ugas to fight

[Ruthless-RKO]

Eimantas Stanionis Signs With Probellum, Continues Career-Long Relationship With Richard Schaefer

Eimantas Stanionis was among the first boxers signed by promoter Richard Schaefer at the start of Ringstar Promotions.

That relationship continues through present day, with the unbeaten welterweight now an integral part of Schaefer's latest creation.

Upstart boxing and media company Probellum—which officially launched in mid-September and with Schaefer serving as its President—signed its first boxer in Stanionis (13-0, 9 KOs; 1 ND), a 2016 Lithuanian Olympian and current unbeaten welterweight company. The announcement Monday was the latest made by Probellum, which has provided daily updates of professional partnerships formed since its inception and now delved into the promotional aspect of its business model.

"I'm thrilled to continue my relationship with Eimantas Stanionis," said Schaefer. "I've been working with him since after the Olympics in 2016, and he's on the verge of some tremendous fights."

Stanionis has been with Schaefer since December 2016, making his pro debut as a Ringstar-promoted fighter in April 2017. The entirety of his pro career has taken place on shows presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), a relationship that is expected to continue moving forward though just under a new promotional banner.

"The world is his oyster and it's great to work with him at Probellum. We already have a strategic partner in Lithuania, so there are a million opportunities for him. We're looking forward to continue working with PBC who have done a great job with Eimantas. With manager Shelly Finkel, Eimantas has one of the best teams in boxing."

Stanionis last fought in August, settling for a No-Decision with former welterweight titlist Luis Collazo. The Fox-televised main event at The Armory in Minneapolis ended just 0:29 shy of being registered as an official bout, as Collazo was unable to continue due to a cut inside of his right eyelid caused by a clash of heads. Stanionis was well on his way to winning the fight, doing so every way but officially in the end.

Prior to the bout, Stanionis picked up his career best win in a twelve-round, unanimous decision over former title challenger Thomas Dulorme this past April at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Probellum was formed with the understanding of partnering up with as many promoters as possible, taking a global approach to launching its brand. It's far removed from the business model Schaefer helped form with Golden Boy Promotions, which he ran from its 2002 launch through 2014 when he and Oscar De La Hoya went through an ugly and very public divorce.

Schaefer returned to the sport in late 2016, mostly working with PBC and signing Nonito Donaire along with a number of boxers from the 2016 Olympics including Stanionis.

"We're going to do our own events and execute network agreements as well, but we don't mind being co-promoters," said Schaefer, who helped architect Golden Boy Promotions into a powerhouse. "We want to make sure the fights the sport needs are going to happen. So we really want to have an all-inclusive approach. We want to work with every promoter. We want to work with every manager.

"These aren't just words. We're going to follow that up with action."

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[peter barlow]

Ugas not happy

[peter barlow]

Mendoza and the Venezuelan commies at the WBA just got sent straight to hell

[Ruthless-RKO]

Ugas-Stanionis: WBA Schedules Purse Bid Hearing, December 9 In Miami

Yordenis Ugas is thankful for his title reign, if not the manner in which he is required to maintain that status.

A purse bid hearing has been added to the schedule to determine promotional rights for Ugas’ ordered WBA “Super” welterweight title defense versus Lithuania’s Eimantas Stanionis. The sanctioning body took that step after having exhausted all options following a period of more than two months since the fight was first mandated in September.

The session will take place December 9 in Miami, open to all WBA-registered promoters who are required to bid no less than $200,000 for the bout. The winning bid will be split 75/25 in favor of Ugas as the reigning titlist.

The fight was first ordered September 15 as part of a four-man box-off with the intention to whittle down the welterweight division to just one titlist. Ugas-Stanionis was packaged with a long overdue WBA “World” title fight, which saw Radzhab Butaev (14-0, 11KOs; 1NC) dethrone Jamal James (27-2, 12KOs) via ninth round stoppage on October 30 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.

Butaev will face the winner of Ugas-Stanionis, assuming the fight moves forward.

Ugas (27-4, 12KOs)—a 2008 Olympian for Cuba before relocating to Miami and now Las Vegas—hoped for a higher profile fight on the heels of a twelve-round points win over legendary former eight-division titlist Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39KOs) on August 22 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The fight came on short notice, with Ugas replacing injured WBC/IBF welterweight titlist Errol Spence (27-0, 21KOs) on just eleven days’ notice.

The convincing victory by Ugas put to rest any debate over the title he held. The Cuban export was upgraded from WBA “World” to “Super” ttilsit earlier this year at the expense of Pacquiao, whose inactivity and failure to notify the WBA of plans to defend the belt resulting in a downgrade to WBA “Champion in Recess.”

The matter was settled in the ring, with Ugas claiming a career-best win and then enjoying a victory lap with the sanctioning body. A conference call was held in Ugas’ honor, coupled with the announcement of the WBA’s plans to reduce its number of recognized titlists and abolishment of its interim titles.

It was the last time that Ugas—and, quite frankly—Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)—received any good news from the sanctioning body.

Several rulings in the aftermath have landed to the detriment of PBC, who petitioned for several more notable bouts than what have been ordered by the WBA. A request was denied for Ugas to face Spence in a three-belt unification bout next February in lieu of an uninspiring mandatory title defense versus Stanionis (13-0, 9KOs; 1ND), a rising contender who could stand to further develop.

With the rejected request came a 30-day negotiation period ordered by the WBA in October. Ugas was represented by TGB Promotions, while Stanionis—who has spent his entire pro career on PBC shows—is promoted by Richard Schaefer, who transferred the 2016 Olympian from his now defunct Ringstar Promotions to upstart company Probellum. Stanionis is also represented by veteran boxing manager Shelly Finkel, who along with Schaefer remained opposed to the request by Ugas to instead pursue a title unification bout.

Negotiations did not go very far between parties. The WBA provided the bad news during the Thanksgiving holiday season, that the matter is now available to all WBA-registered promoters.

Stanionis has not fought since a No-Decision with former titlist Luis Collazo this past August, two weeks prior to Ugas’ win over Pacquiao. Earlier this year, Stanionis fended off determined former title challenger Thomas Dulorme to win a twelve-round decision this past April.

Ugas won the vacant WBA “World” welterweight title in a twelve-round decision win over Abel Ramos last September. The victory over Pacquiao marks his lone title defense to date.

Per WBA by-laws, failure by Ugas to proceed with the ordered title fight will result in the WBA “Super” title being declared vacant. Conversely, failure by Stanionis to move forward with the fight will result in his forfeiture of a mandatory title shot along with removal from a title-eligible ranking.

Ugas-Stanionis is one of at least two WBA purse bid hearings scheduled for December 9. Also on the schedule is a session to determine promotional rights for the re-ordered secondary heavyweight title fight between WBA “World” titlist Trevor Bryan and “Champion in Recess” and former title claimant Mahmoud Charr.

[Cent0089]

Very interesting fight. From trio of elite young welterweight prospects Jaron Ennis, Vergil Ortiz and Elimantas Stanionis, Stanionis is probably weakest one, but i am very curious on this fight

[peter barlow]

Off topic but anyone know the latest on Egidijus Kavaliauskas the other Lithuanian welter. Wondering who his next opponent is after defeat to Vergil Ortiz a few months back.

[Bandog]

It's too bad. At 35-36 he needs the biggest fights now, not delayed for a year or two.

[margaret thatcher]

Off topic but anyone know the latest on Egidijus Kavaliauskas the other Lithuanian welter. Wondering who his next opponent is after defeat to Vergil Ortiz a few months back.

i would mind egi vs eimantas tbh, though they seem on different paths

[peter barlow]

Off topic but anyone know the latest on Egidijus Kavaliauskas the other Lithuanian welter. Wondering who his next opponent is after defeat to Vergil Ortiz a few months back.

i would mind egi vs eimantas tbh, though they seem on different paths

Yeah it would be a quality fight, do Golden Boy promote Egi?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Off topic but anyone know the latest on Egidijus Kavaliauskas the other Lithuanian welter. Wondering who his next opponent is after defeat to Vergil Ortiz a few months back.

i would mind egi vs eimantas tbh, though they seem on different paths

Yeah it would be a quality fight, do Golden Boy promote Egi?

I think TR did, but the last fight GBP promoted it cus he was fighting Ortiz on DAZN.. might be a free agent

[Ruthless-RKO]

PBC and Probellum have reached a deal for this fight..

[Enlightened-One]

This is a good fight between two top-ten world-rated solid competitors on decent form.

Ugas might win this one, but he won’t be a huge favourite.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Yordenis Ugas, Eimantas Stanionis agree to welterweight title fight

Yordenis Ugas hoped to unify 147-pound titles with Errol Spence Jr. in his next fight, but he's getting another tough challenge instead.

Ugas, who's coming off a victory over Manny Pacquiao, and Eimantas Stanionis agreed to a deal Wednesday to avoid a scheduled purse bid the following day in which the rights to the fight would be auctioned off.

The welterweight title bout, which will be promoted by PBC, is slated for springtime in the United States, a source told ESPN. The source said there's no set date or location yet.

The matchup is part of the WBA's four-man box-off at 147 pounds. Radzhab Butaev stopped Jamal James in the other half of the equation in October. Butaev is lined up to face the winner of Ugas-Stanionis.

WBA president Gilberto Mendoza ordered the bout despite Ugas' appeal to instead compete with Spence, the unified champion, in the spring. Ugas, ESPN's No. 3 welterweight, retained his title with a unanimous-decision victory over Pacquiao in August. The future Hall of Famer announced his retirement afterward.

The 35-year-old's only loss since 2014 is a controversial decision setback to Shawn Porter in 2019.

"Tomorrow the WBA is going to make a decision on my team's last attempt to lead me to the best fights possible [Spence] and one of the biggest fight[s] that PBC can do [at] 147," Ugas, a native of Cuba, tweeted Tuesday.

Now, Ugas (27-4, 12 KOs) will prepare for Stanionis (13-0, 9 KOs), a strong, pressure fighter from Lithuania. And for a second straight fight, Ugas will face a boxer led by Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

The 27-year-old, who is promoted by Richard Schaefer's new company, Probellum, is coming off a four-round no-decision against Luis Collazo in August. That bout was cut short after Stanionis' opponent suffered a cut from a clash of heads.

Before that, Stanionis, ESPN's No. 7 welterweight, outpointed Thomas Dulorme in April.