Criticism doesn’t always fall on the lap of Jaron Ennis. He’s incredibly skilled, fast, powerful, and simply put, a great fighter. However, over his last few fights, Ennis hasn’t quite looked like his unbeatable self.

Those subpar showings against Karen Chukhadzhian and David Avanesyan have pushed him from golden child status to questionable talent.

Ennis has never been a big talker but he is observant. He’s listened closely as his biggest fans turned into nonstop critics. There aren’t many positives to pull from their critiques, but Ennis is in a position to shut them all up on Saturday night.

At the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, Ennis (33-0, 29 KOs) will take on fellow welterweight champion, Eimantas Stanionis. On paper, the WBA belt holder figures to be his toughest test. And, according to some, Stanionis may have the edge.

Getting into a blood-and-guts type of fight is perfectly fine with Ennis. In terms of the hype surrounding Stanionis, the Philly native loves it. He wants fans and prognosticators to build him up. Reason being, when he knocks him down, he’ll get even more credit.

“I’m a show y’all why I’m the best in the division,” said Ennis to Matchroom Boxing. “And the best in the world.”

To some, Stanionis is a talented belt holder but for Ennis, he views the undefeated champ as his panacea.

The 27-year-old gives Stanionis (15-0, 9 KOs) all of the credit in the world. He’s good. Scratch that. He’s great. But beating a fighter as good as him would put him on another level.

Most fighters, including Ennis, dream of being a pound-for-pound level guy. At this moment, his name doesn’t protrude on everyone’s list. But, if he dips his gloves in Stanionis’ blood and beats him senseless, he believes that will change.

“I will be on the pound-for-pound list after this fight.”