Even before he built a bit of a name for himself, Eimantas Stanionis has always wanted to get in there with top-tier competition. It may have taken a while but he’s finally getting his wish.

If you take a long and strong look at his resume, you’ll notice several recognizable and respectable names. But Gabriel Maestre and Radzhab Butaev, at least when given the eye test, aren’t close to Jaron Ennis in terms of skills.

April 12th could be a physically painful and mentally draining night but one that could also be rewarding. When the two officially meet up in Atlantic City, the winner won’t just walk away with three world titles wrapped around their waist but they’ll also be viewed as the welterweight division’s top dog, something Stanionis (15-0, 9 KOs) has always wanted.

“I want to prove that I’m the best,” said Stanionis to Matchroom Boxing.

Ennis, The Ring’s No. 1 ranked welter and current IBF champion, has scary talent. As his competition rose steadily, so did his performances. Watching the way he walks, talks, and carries himself, you can tell that Ennis’ aura is baked in confidence. For Stanionis, so is his but it hasn’t always been like that.

The strong, hard-hitting style that he brings to the table today was built from the ground up. Ultimately, it’s all worked out but Ennis (33-0, 29 KOs) is a different beast. Pair his ostensible talent with a fighter who believes he underperformed in his last outing against Karen Chukhadzhian, and you have someone who is incredibly dangerous.

Still, there’s no time for self-doubt and inflection. With their welterweight unification just a few days away, the WBA belt holder is looking forward to stepping underneath those bright lights and performing.

“I want to prove to myself because since I was a child, I was doubting myself,” continued Stanionis. “It’s pressure for me but I like that pressure.”