The Lintons and Boots Stops Stanionis!
By: George H. Hanson Jr., Esq.
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Venue: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Promoters: Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport & Boots Promotions
Ring Announcer: David Diamante
Commentators: Chris Mannix, Sergio Mora & Todd Grisham
Undercard: Richardson Hitchins, Justin Shackil & Shakur Stevenson
Referees: Albert Earl Brown, David Fields, David Franciosi & Charlie Fitch,
Coverage: DAZN
Editor: Andrea Traywick-Jones
Photos: Kenny Ludwig, Ray Bailey & Andrea Traywick-Jones
Listen folks, boxing is my passion and oftentimes I travel this journey called life with blinders on focused on the next major card featuring my favorite pugilists. Thus, it was on Saturday, April 5th that I discovered that I was double-booked for April 12th – finding myself in a conundrum involving two young adults that I have known since their childhood – friends of both their parents. Yes, Jayna Jones was getting married to Curtis Linton in Wilmington, Delaware and IBF Welterweight Champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis (33 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 29 kos) Philadelphia was in a unification bout with WBA Champion Eimantas Stanionis (15 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 9 kos) Kaunas, Lithuania – both on Saturday, April 12th. I was at the engagement party for Jayna and Curtis and I wasn’t going to miss their wedding.
I met Jayna’s mom Andrea when I was in my freshman year at Drexel University and she was a student at Temple University. As fate would have it, Andrea started dating Merv Jones – a fellow Temple student. Merv and I became fast friends and I attended their wedding a few years after graduation. Merv, a film writer, director, producer and Temple University’s longtime Public Address Announcer and I stayed in touch, going to film festivals and family events. Multi-talented, he once substituted for my ringside photographer at a boxing show. Unfortunately Merv passed on June 3, 2020. I met Bozy Ennis, Boots’ father, when I was a teenager and aspiring pugilist fighting out of Shepard Recreation Center in West Philadelphia.
If you have read this far you are wondering – Why is Hanson telling me this? Because I want to set the groundwork for these two historic events and show you how I found an optimal solution. Capisce? Continue reading. I emailed Anthony Leaver, Head of Media – Matchroom USA, asking him for a credential for Kenny Ludwig, photographer – explaining that I would watch the fights on DAZN and use Kenny’s photographs for my article. As we say in Jamaica – “Much respect, and big-up Anthony” because this was the sovereign remedy – the magic bullet that allowed me to attend the wedding and cover the fights.
I made my way to Wilmington, Delaware for the 3PM wedding at the Bethel AME Church, had a super-sensational time at the reception at the Deerfield Country Club in Newark, Delaware – where I enjoyed a delectable meal featuring salmon and roasted vegetables followed by the newly-weds, the bridal party and willing guests doing the latest line dances including “Boots On the Ground.” Well, my boots stayed on the ground under the table since my line dance lessons ceased at “The Electric Slide” and I didn’t hear Marcia Griffiths bellowing over the speakers “It’s Electric!” I had a terrific time seated at the Jones’ family table talking and watching the enjoyment on the dance floor. Fortunately I had the opportunity to get a photograph with the Lintons – Jayna & Curtis. I already knew that they would be featured in tonight’s story. At approximately, 8:20 PM – I extracted myself quietly from the ballroom like Harry Houdini slipping out of a pair of handcuff, and made my way to the parking lot. I hopped in my car and the cd player automatically started as I pulled out of the parking lot while turning up the volume on the track “A Milli” by Lil Wayne I heard:
“I’m a Young Money Millionaire, tougher than Nigerian hair. My criteria compared to your career just isn’t fair…….”
Wayne and I made it back to Philadelphia in an hour – just in time to catch the second round of the scheduled ten-round junior-lightweight bout featuring former WBA Featherweight champion Raymond “Savage” Ford (16 wins – 1 loss – 1 draw – 8 kos) Camden, New Jersey against Thomas “Gunna Man” Mattice (22 wins – 4 losses – 1 draw – 5 kos) of Cleveland Ohio. However, I will give you my account of Ennis vs. Stanionis before revealing the outcome of Ford’s tussle.
Flanked by Philadelphia 76ers’ starting point guard – the brilliant Tyrese Maxey sporting the IBF World Welterweight belt over his right shoulder, his father and two brothers – Ennis made his ring walk to “Rest In Peace” – the theme song for “The Undertaker” (World Wrestling Entertainments’ superstar) – bouncing and smiling all the way to the ring with Stanionis waiting patiently in his corner. David Diamante made the introductions and referee Fields gave the instructions. The fighters and their handlers retreated to their respective corners and the gong sounded for the opening round.
It has been 336 days since Stanionis’ last fight as opposed to 154 days for Ennis who was last in action on November 9, 2024. Before I go any further allow me to pay homage to Stanionis – the first ever professional boxing world champion from Lithuania. With all of his fights in the United States, he captured the WBA title on April 16, 2022 – a split-decision over Radzhab Butaev at the AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, in only his fifteenth fight (please note that he had a no-contest with Luis Collazo in the fight prior to be crowned World Champion). Stanionis won a unanimous twelve-round decision over Gabriel Maestre in his first defense of his title on May 4, 2024.
Instead of waiting around for the other champions (Brian Norman Jr. – WBO and Mario Barrios – WBC) – he decided to face arguably “The Baddest Man on The Planet” – Jaron “Boots” Ennis in a unification match. Norman and Barrios are quiet as a church mouse on Easter Sunday whenever Boots’ name is mentioned. Then again, it is difficult to convince men to advocate for their own demise. I have a better chance of winning the PowerBall than either of them in defeating Ennis in a scheduled twelve-round contest in the squared circle. Much respect to Stanionis for doing what champions should do – pursue unification of all the titles.
I was looking to see if ring-rust would be a factor as Boots came out circling, working behind his left jab, fighting from the orthodox stance as Stanionis came forward, stalking like a hunter on a mission. It was a masterful display of the sweet science by the Philadelphian as he connected with his jab to his opponent’s midsection and head. With a high-guard defense the Lithuanian blocked incoming shots as Boots started to unload with the heavy artillery, ripping hooks to the body. Never dissuaded, Stanionis was able to connect with his own left hook during one of the heated exchanges. As has been customary, with approximately one minute and fifteen seconds remaining in the opening stanza, Boots switched to the southpaw stance – never missing a beat – firing his Gatlin guns while in perpetual motion. It was a sensational opening round with Boots winning on my scorecard.
The action continued in the second round at the same pace and tempo – both combatants in a zone. Boots continued in the southpaw stance, jabbing and ripping uppercuts that would startle a Silveback gorilla. However, Stanionis came forward like a Sherman tank hell-bent on steamrolling his opponent who unloaded with power and precision. The exchanges were fast and furious. However, Boots was landing the more telling blows in this war of attrition. In the third round Boots hurt the Lithuanian with an upppercut, approximately thirty seconds remaining. However, Stanionis has a granite chin and made it to the bell ending the round.
The fourth and fifth rounds were fought in similar fashion with Boots out landing his adversary – fighting from the southpaw stance – his left hand on the right side of his face for defensive purposes – bending his legs and ripping left uppercuts to his opponent’s head and mid-section – appearing to be a gloved-Jacob Lawrence – painting a masterpiece – Stanionis as the canvas – his face carmine from punches that connected.
In the sixth round – Boots continued his dominance – pitching a shut-out despite the competitive nature of the fight. However, it was evident that absent of a miracle – this fight wasn’t going to the scorecards. The jabs found their mark and his body shots were thunderous. Nevertheless, Stanionis fought back valiantly occasionally countering with a left hook – leaving no doubt that Boots also possesses a granite chin. With thirty seconds remaining in the round – Stanionis visited the canvas for the first time – compliments of a combination of hooks to the body – triple left uppercuts to the head. Up immediately, Referee Fields gave him an eight-count and the fight resumed. Boots stalked and Stanionis fought back until the bell, making it back to his corner.
Stanionis’ corner decided that it wasn’t in his best interest to send him out for the seventh round. Despite fighting courageously, he had taken enough punishment and there was no need to risk his health hoping for a miracle. No one questioned the stoppage because it was the right decision. Boots was declared the winner by technical knockout 3:00 of round sixth – adding the WBA World Welterweight title to his IBF championship. After that performance it is safe to say that Norman and Barrios will avoid him as much as the current President of the United States – Donald Trump – evades logic and accountability.
Former WBA World Featherweight champion, southpaw Raymond Ford (16 wins – 1 loss – 1 draw – 8 kos) Camden, New Jersey was as slicker than a greased pig in his scheduled ten-round junior-lightweight bout against the taller Thomas “Gunna Man” Mattice (22 wins – 4 losses – 1 draw – 5 kos) of Cleveland, Ohio. Ford must have been paying homage to music icon – MC Hammer – because he was truly the personification of Hammer’s signature song “You Can’t Touch This” – elusive and untouchable over the duration of the bout. Mattice came forward and like the great Harry Houdini – Ford would disappear right in front of our eyes – only to reappear, peppering his adversary with a four-punch rapid fire combination – jab,straight left, right hook, straight left – stepping to the side like a trained matador in the bullring at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid, Spain. It was a masterful, brilliant performance by the man from Camden, New Jersey in preparation for a world title at junior-lightweight. Mattice came forward and fought to the best of abilities. However, Ford was like Johnny Cochran lecturing to first year law students – giving new meaning to the overused cliché’ “there is levels to this!” No surprise by the scorecards – all three judges had it 100-90 for Ford – a shut-out – unanimous decision victory.
The opening bout of the night featured lightweights – thirty-year-old Naheeem “The Dream” Parker (5 wins – 1 loss – 0 draw – 2 kos) of Camden, New Jersey – coming off an eighteen-month layoff against twenty-one year-old undefeated local prospect Francisco “The Cisco Kid” Rodriguez (6 wins – 0 loss – 0 draw – 6 kos) of Atlantic City in a scheduled six-rounder. The opening round was close with Parker working behind his jab with the taller Rodriguez doing likewise, patiently looking for the right shots. It was a strategic round with nothing of consequence landing with the combatants as we would say in colloquial terms “sizing each other up.”
Rodriguez turned up the temperature in the second round, connecting with his vaunted right hand and going to the body – getting Parker in trouble along the ropes. It was evident that Parker was breaking down as his handlers were extremely boisterous – yelling instructions that echoed over the broadcast. Rodriguez was systematically dismantling Parker who it appears was in survival mode.
The third round was a display of Rodriguez’s pugilistic prowess as he controlled the action with the jab and hooks to the body. Parker motored around the ring with no answer. It was a great performance by the Atlantic City native who is also employed by the casino in the security department. No surprise that Parker’s handler did not allow him to answer the bell for the fourth round – keeping him on the stool. Rodriguez had his hand raised by referee Charlie Fitch– winner by referee technical decision (“RTD”) 3:00 round three.
In the second bout, a scheduled eight-round super-bantamweight contest – twenty-four-year-old Arturo Popoca (15 wins – 0 losses – 1 draw – 8 kos) Michoacan, Mexican won by technical knockout 1:30 of the final round in an action-packed fight against thirty -year-old southpaw Edgar “Double Trouble” Cortes (9 wins – 7 losses – 1 draw – 1 ko) Millville, New Jersey. Cortes was a last-minute replacement for Christian Carto (23 wins – 1 loss – 1 draw – 16 kos) of Philadlephia who was sidelined due to medical issues. Trained by former IBF Junior-lightweigh champion Robert Garcia – Popoca is a patient, technical boxer who stalked his opponent at the opening bell, working behind the jab – hands high – throwing with conviction. Cortes moved strategically, countering effectively while circling. It was an extremely close round with Cortes appearing to be here “to get down” and not lay down. However, I gave Cortes a slight edge.
The Millville native experienced similar succes in the second round – using every inch of the ring with Popoca in pursuit – patient and purposeful – landing the occasional shot to the body. The body work by Popoca continued in the third round as Cortes counter-punched while in perpetual motion. It was an excellent display of the sweet science by both men – a chess match. In the fourth round Popoca landed a few hard body shots, but Cortes kept his composure and stayed on his bicycle making the round difficult to score.
The tide turned in the fifth round as Popoca came forward being able to land more body shots. He was awarded a knockdown with barely a minute expiring in the round as he caught Cortes with a left hook. However, upon further review – it was clear that Cortes slipped before the punch landed. Popoca stepped up the action for the remainder of the round – landing his right hand and going to the body. He continued pressing the action in the sixth round – landing hard to the body and head while picking up the pace. To his credit – Cortes fought back while on the move. However, the body shots were having an adverse effect on Cortes.
A straight right deposited Cortes on the canvas with sixty-fve seconds remaining in the seventh round. He was upright as referee Fitch tolled three and checked his vitals. The fight was allowed to continue and Cortes was in survival mode with Popoca in hot pursuit. Somehow, Cortes made it to the bell despite being in dire straits. Popoca attacked in the next round – lookin to close the show- The action continued and referee Fitch tripped and fell to the canvas with barely forty-five seconds into the round. Popoca was a shark tasting blood in the water – looking to separate Cortes from his senses. And he launched a straight right laced with nitroglycerin that caught Cortes on the chin bending him backwards, his back hitting the ropes as his knees scraped the canvas. Referee Fitch immediately called a halt declaring Popoca the winner by technical knockout 1:30 of round eight in and extremely entertaining and exciting fight. Kudos to Cortes who came to give full-effort despite the short notice.
With his twenty-sixth birthday set for tomorrow, Philadelphia welterweight prospect Tahmir “The Don” Smalls (13 wins – 0 losses – 0 draw – 9 kos) provided himself with the best birthday present possible – a first round knockout of Earl Bascome (13 wins – 1 loss – 0 draw – 2 kos) Hamilton, Bermuda in a scheduled eight-rounder. The gong sounded to commence the opening stanza and Smalls worked behind his long jab to the head and body sending Bascome backwards. Listed at 5 ft 9 inches – Smalls appeared somewhat much taller and larger than his 5 ft 7 inches opponent. The size disparity was evident as he drove the Bermudian backwards before connecting with a combination – jumping on him like a recently released death-row inmate on an invited courtesan in his Reno Nevada hotel room. Smalls landed with power and accuracy connecting with uppercuts and left hooks depositing Bascome on his derriere listening to the ten-count no attempt to get to his feet. Referee Fitch declared Smalls the winner by knockout at 1:13 of the opening round. Happy Birthday!
Nineteen-year-old southpaw junior-lightweight Zaquin Moses (2 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 1 ko) Newark, New Jersey – thirteen days away from his twentieth birthday – was impressive in his scheduled four-rounder against Alex Pallette (1 wins – 3 losses – 0 draws – 1 ko) Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. Moses, the cousin of three-division World Champion and currecnt WBC World Lightweight Champion Shakur Stevenson, made a compelling argument that talent is inherited as he displayed his wares – boxing patiently in the opening stanza against his oponent who is one inch taller at 5 ft 10 inches. Moses stalked Pallette at the opening bell jabbing to the head and body – picking off Pallette’s punches with his gloves – while countering to the body with well-timed right hooks. It was a pedagogical display of the sweet science and hopefully pugilistic pupils were taking notes.
Moses continued lecturing with his gloves in the second round – never taking a backwards step – strategically placing his punches to his opponent’s midsection and kidney. He controlled the action – anticipating Pallette’s reponses – displaying his arsenal. During an exchange – Moses blocked Pallette’s punches and countered with an overhand left that bounced off his opponents chin – sending him to the canvas genuflecting on his right knee as thought he had just entered a Catholic Church for Sunday Mass. Referee Franciosi tolled ten as Pallette was about to rise. It was a tad too late – the fight was over. Moses was declared the winner by knockout at 2:13 of round two of the scheduled four-round contest. Happy Birthday Zaquin!!
2016 Olympics Silver Medalist and the WBA #1 rated welterweight contender Shakram “Wonder Boy” Giyasov ((16 wins –0 losses – 0 draws – 9 kos) of Bukhara, Uzbekistan fighting out of Brooklyn, New York deserves special recognition not only for his brilliant performance in the squared circle but also for his ability to succeed in the face of advesity. Giyaso’s two-year-old daughter died a month ago of a rare brain condition while he was in training camp for tonight’s showdown against Franco Maximilano Campo (17 wins – 2 losses – 0 draws – 8 kos) Buenos Aires, Argentina now fighting out of California, USA. He promised her that he would become a world champion.
And after tonight’s performance – I would argue that there aren’t many doubters because he was absolutely spectacular from the opening bell, giving his opponent a master class on the art of pugilism – jabbing, countering, attacking the body, changing directions, slipping & sliding – punches missing his head by centimeters. In a mental zone, he was untouchable – entertaining the audience deciding when it was time to close the show – reminding everyone how he was able to defeat WBA Champion Eimantas Stanionis at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The thirty-one-year-old Giyasov boxed brilliantly in the opening stanza, working behind his jab, going dowstairs to the body with some vicious hooks and uppercuts. Campo fought back valiantly but it became evident that there was a disparity in talent. With about forty seconds remaining in the round, Giyasov rocked his oppoent with a left hook and blanketed him with a barrage of punches getting out of the way as he toppled to the canvas. Referee Franciosi reached the count of nine as Campo made it upright and the fight continued. Somehow, the Argentinian made it to the bell ending the round.
Giyasov picked up where he left off in the second round – enjoying himself – going to the head and body, reminding me of a cat playing with mouse trapped in a corner. To his credit, Campo fought back to the best of his abilities. However, allow me to use one of my most hated clichés – a phrase oftentimes used by the charlatans in boxing who want to appear intellectual – by stating “there are levels to this.” It was obvious that Giyasov and his opponent would be in different grades and classrooms in thne Universidad De Boxeo! Watching Giyasov performance evoked fond memories of Buster Douglas losing his mother and using that tragedy as his motivation for the biggest upset in the history of professional boxing – a 10th round knockout of “The Baddest Man on the Planet” – World Heavyweight Champion “Iron” Mike Tyson.
The action and showcase of the art of pugilism continued in th third round with Giyasov displaying his talent – hands at his side – slipping punches effortlessly. It is safe to assume that he accomplished his mission and it was time to close the show. He landed a laser-like straight right to Campo’s solar plexus in the fourth round – sending him to the canvas in fantastic fashion on both knees – referee Franciosi reaching the count of ten – ending the fight – knockout at 1:57.
2024 Olympics Bronze Medalist Omari “Banger” Jones (1 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 1 ko) of Orlando, Florida was impressive in his scheduled six-round welterweight bout against twenty-fight veteran William “Action” Jackson (13 wins – 5 losses – 2 draws – 5kos) Cincinnati, Ohio – stopping him with a vicious uppercut to the solar plexus – both knees on the canvas as thought he was praying – as referee Franciosi tolled ten – declaring the twenty-two-year-old Floridian the victor by knockout 1:47 of the opening round.
The thirty-six-year-old, 5 feet 8 inches Jackson attacked at the opening bell, pressing his taller opponent who towered over him at 6 feet 1 inch. Jones immediately got on his bicycle – circling the ring, using his speed and footwork to evade punishment while connecting with his long jab to Jackson’s head and midsection. The Ohio native threw everything with bad intentions including an overhand right from a distance. However, Jones kept his composure countering with quick punches using his speed to his advantage. Jackson was cutting off the ring believing that he had cornered Jones who had his back to the ring padding – Jones immediately pivotted to his left while throwing a right uppercut to his opponent’s solar plexus. Had this been gymnastics that move would have been banned due to its difficulty. Very few boxers can execute that maneuver – much less somewhat standing over 6 feet tall. Jones is quicker than a cheetah on roller skates with dynamite in both gloves.
It was truly an eventful day – a wedding and a world championship boxing card. Jaron “Boot” Ennis has two of the four world welterweight belts having defeated the best of the other three welterweight champions. I am confident that the extremely talented Lithuanian will defeat WBC Champion – Mario Barrios and WBO Champion – Brian Norman Jr. Hopefully, Barrios and Norman will have the temerity to face Boots in the squared circle – guaranteeing that all four belts will be on the trophy case in the Ennis’ household. We are sick and tired of the evasive nature of many of today’s world champions. The great Sugar Ray Leonard was twenty-five-years-old when he faced the most dangerous fighter on the planet – WBA World Welterweight champion Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns who was two months shy of his twenty-third birthday. Norman and Barrios should be forced to vacate their belts if they refuse to fight Ennis. If they both refuse to unify the belts – they both should retire and join a dodge ball league since they are great duckers.
We miss you Merv! You ae forever in our hearts and we know that you were watching from heaven.
Join me in congratulating the Lintons – Jayna and Curtis.
See you Saturday, May 31, 2025 – Strict Biz Promotions – Harrah’s Chester, Pennsylvania for another night of the sweet science.
Continue to support the sweet science, and remember, always carry your mouthpiece.
ghanson18@icloud.com
