Many observers believe that Philadelphia fighter Jaron Ennis is the best welterweight fighter, although he holds only one of the four recognized world titles at that weight.

Ennis has been the IBF champion since November 2023, after his interim status was upgraded following the sanctioning body’s decision to strip former undisputed 147-pound king Terence Crawford of his belt.

In the 14 months he has been a full-fledged title champion, the 27-year-old has failed to achieve the much-sought-after unification, although according to reports, multiple offers were made to WBO belt holder Brian Norman Jr, but all were rejected.

But a fighter widely considered to be “Boots'” toughest test in the welterweight division has thrown his hat into the ring this week.

WBA world champion Eimantis Stanionis has called for a fight with Ennis, which he believes he will “survive” if they meet this year.

“He is quick, powerful and skilled, but I believe in myself and my ability to outlast anyone in the ring.

“The fans are asking for this fight and I want it to become a reality.

“Unification struggles like this define a legacy.”

While a clash with Ennis would almost certainly be the most financially lucrative for the Lithuanian pressure fighter, he also assured that he would have no problem uniting with the previously mentioned Norman or WBC champion Mario Barrios.

“Brian Norman Jr. he has proven that he is among the best and is getting better.

“I know he’s hungry to show the world what he’s capable of. This fight would be a high-stakes fight between two fighters who refuse to back down. I’m ready to put my belt on the line to make this happen.

“Mario Barrios is a mighty champion who brings toughness and heart to the ring.

“A fight between us would be explosive. I respect what he has achieved in sport, but I believe that my skills and determination will make the difference.

“Let’s give the fans a war they will never forget.”

With the likes of Crawford and Errol Spence Jr moving up to welterweight, the welterweight division is now wide open to a modern face who could be a top contender in 2025.

Many experts were convinced it would be Ennis, but question marks emerged after his shaky performance in the November rematch with Karen Chukhadzian.

Tyson Fury has reportedly said he will continue fighting despite his second straight loss to Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury failed to overturn the only loss on his professional record when that was the case defeated on points against Usyk in Riyad last month, seven months after the same result befell the champion Ukrainian.

Some prominent figures called for the “Gypsy King” to hang up his gloves once and for all, although he refused to comment on his future immediately after the defeat.

The 36-year-old took an almost three-year absence after dethroning Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, battled depression and addiction, and retired after defending his WBC heavyweight world title with a win over Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium in April 2022 to return eight months later.

According to SunFury told close friends he has no plans to give up the sport, insisting “it’s not over yet.”

The lure of an all-British fight with long-time rival Anthony Joshua could be a key factor in persuading Fury to pursue a fight that has been desired for years but has failed to materialize on several occasions.

Joshua is coming off a devastating fifth-round knockout defeat to IBF heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois and, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn, the 34-year-old will return in May or June with a fight against Fury or a rematch with Dubois at the event at the top of his charts.

A fight against fellow former two-time world heavyweight champion “AJ,” who also lost twice to Usyk, is the “only” fight that matters for the “Gypsy King,” according to Hearn.

“The reality is that Tyson Fury only has one fight,” the Matchroom boss said DAZN.

“And this is Anthony Joshua.

“It’s probably the biggest fight in British boxing history.

“Everyone will always want to see it.

“It wasn’t Tyson Fury who looked finished.

“It wasn’t a bad performance, it wasn’t a bad performance.

“He didn’t look shy, he didn’t look like his toughness was in question.

“So I think Tyson Fury is still at the top of his game, but he’s not good enough to beat Oleksandr Usyk tonight.

“But for me, the best solution is AJ against Furia.

“It’s the one at Wembley [Stadium] and then we come back here for the Riyad season [for the rematch]”

George Groves believes that Moses Itauma will be a tougher fight for Oleksandr Usyk than the rematch with Daniel Dubois.

Itauma made a cruel statement about Usyk’s second straight victory over Tyson Fury on Saturday: destroying Demsey McKean during Riyad’s round, with Dubois watching her from ringside.

Dubois, who was stopped by Usyk in nine rounds last August, stormed into the Ukrainian’s post-fight interview, demanding a rematch.

But former super middleweight world champion Groves believes rising teenage star Itauma, who turns 20 at the end of this month, will be his most tough task.

“I don’t see anyone beating him,” the 36-year-old said on his podcast George Groves Boxing Club.

“If you said to me: make a list of people who could challenge Oleksandr Usyk, you would answer: ‘Exactly, Daniel Dubois.’

“I think Moses Itauma is a tougher fight than Daniel Dubois is for Usyk.

“I really mean it.

“Who wants this fight?

“No one wants this fight.”

Kent is already sixth in the WBO rankings, behind Usyk, who holds the belt and the WBC and WBO crowns, and Dubois will defend his IBF belt in a fight against Joseph Parker on February 22.

The 19-year-old has said he wants to break Mike Tyson’s record and become the youngest ever world heavyweight champion, but Groves suspects securing fights for him could be tough.

“We are now getting to the point where we need to put him in the company of real gatekeepers,” he added.

– Is that Dillian Whyte?

“Is that Joe Joyce?

“None of these guys want to try Itauma.

“They have to pay them like it’s a gigantic title fight because they’re not hiding from anything.”

Usyk said he would have no problem fighting Dubois again if he prevails over Parker, and the fight would give him a chance to make more history by becoming the first-ever two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.