Ahead of the Virgil Ortiz Fight, Eimantas Stanionis Delves Into Why He Likes “The Underdog Role”

As the clock ticks down to the much-anticipated welterweight showdown between Lithuanian champion Eimantas Stanionis and Texas’ own Virgil Ortiz Jr., an unusual narrative is emerging. Unlike most champions heading into a title defense, Stanionis is not just accepting, but actively embracing the label of “underdog.” Despite holding the title, he finds himself on foreign turf, ready to step into a ring filled with the cheers of Ortiz’s home crowd.

This is not just a fight against an opponent, but also a battle against convention and expectation. There’s a peculiar allure to Stanionis’ outlook, a puzzle that invites us to unravel the unique psychology of a champion who doesn’t just cope with but thrives on the echoes of doubters. What fuels this unconventional approach?

Eimantas Stanionis’ ‘underdog’ mentality ahead of the Ortiz bout

As we draw closer to the long-awaited title defense between Eimantas Stanionis and Virgil Ortiz Jr., Stanionis holds steadfast to his underdog status. The welterweight bout is scheduled to take place at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, a location closer to the Dallas-based Ortiz and far removed from any fan base that Stanionis could call his own.

The Lithuanian champion elucidates to BoxingScene, “I am the champion but I go into the fight as the big underdog in everyone’s eyes. It’s not in his hometown anymore but really it might as well be. It’s still his home state.” These circumstances don’t shake Stanionis. In fact, they’ve become his normalcy.

He further added, “Everyone thinks he is going to win. Everybody is going to cheer him and they are going to boo me.” This isn’t a foreign scenario for Stanionis, as he candidly admits, “I’m prepared. I like the underdog role, that mentality. I don’t even know any other feeling.”

Stanionis and the enduring spirit of the underdog

A showdown against a formidable adversary in Ortiz and a crowd echoing with cheers for his opponent isn’t enough to deter Stanionis. His resolve remains unwavering, encapsulated by his comment, “I am always the underdog but I love it. Nobody knows me. I’m from a small country. It’s normal for me. It’s nothing new.”

Stanionis’ mentality promises an intriguing match where two pressure fighters in the welterweight division will lock horns. It’s not merely a test of physical prowess but a battle of mental fortitude, adding an additional layer of anticipation to the forthcoming bout.

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This fight illuminates a fascinating truth. Champions come in different forms and mindsets, and the heart of an underdog can often beat with the fiercest intensity. As spectators, we can’t help but be drawn into this narrative. How about you? Do you believe in the underdog’s power to overcome the odds? Share your thoughts and predictions below.

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