Eimantas Stanionis became the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion on April 16 with a victory over Radzhab Butaev that has been historic for Lithuania and its people.  

Lithuania’s first world champion knows what that means. His goal is to become undisputed champion, challenge the big boys and, of course, inspire the youngsters on his homeland. 

“I think there will be so many young fighters from Lithuania who will join the sport because of me,” Stanionis said in a note published by BoxingScene. “I’m very proud of that. I will surely give back to the younger generation.”

The 27-year-old fighter assured that becoming a WBA champion is a dream fulfilled and that he is enjoying the moment as his opportunity to go for all the belts arrives. 

“My dream is to fight for all the belts and become undisputed champion. Right now, it’s like a dream. When I was a kid, this was something I always dreamed of. It still feels like that. It’s a dream come true. It means a lot to me and to my country,” he said.