A huge challenge? Possibly. A chance to silence the critics? Probably. An opening to move to world level? Most definitely.
Punch-lines is referring to a likely candidate for fight of the year in 2021 – Josh Kelly v David Avanesyan on Saturday, January 30.
Avanesyan will defend his European welterweight title against the undefeated ‘Pretty Boy’ at a venue still to be announced by promoters, Matchroom.
For the gifted Sunderland boxer, it represents the biggest fight of his life.
Victory over the Nottinghamshire-based Russian will catapult the 26-year-old right into world championship contention.
Avanesyan, a boxer at the top of his game, is not just the European champion, the 32-year-old is in the top 10 of all four major world sanctioning organisations following an explosive hat-trick of European title wins (two inside the first round)
Ex-world champ Ava’s ranking numbers are impressive: six (IBF), seven (WBC), nine (WBA), 10 (WBO). In comparison, Kelly’s highest rating is 15 with the IBF, so you can see the very juicy carrot dangling in front of the former Olympian.
“Beating him would take me a step closer to my dream of fighting for the world title,” said Kelly.
“Ava is the favourite heading into the fight – he has proved how good he is in his last three fights.
“It’s going to be a good fight, but one I’m quietly confident about.
“I feel like this is a turning point in my career.
“When I win, then I take it to the next level. A lot in the future is lying on this fight.”
You can say that again.
It is the third time the rivals have been due to meet.
Almost exactly two years ago in Sheffield, Kelly was to defend his WBA International belt against the ex-WBA world holder only to pull out at the last minute with illness, sending Avanesyan’s manager, Neil Marsh, into a rage, labelling Josh and his coach, Adam Booth, as “complete bottle jobs”.
That tag looked set to be put to bed back in March when the pair had been scheduled to headline the O2. Then along came Covid.
But it’s surely third time lucky now for this most tasty of affairs.
“This fight has been a long time coming,” said the Wearsider, who has won 10 and drawn one of his 11 professional bouts.
“It’s finally time to silence my doubters.
“Two fights ago I fought Ray Robinson, which was a massive step-up.
“I don’t think people realised how big of a step-up that was, but now I’m fighting Avanesyan, I should get the credit I deserve.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
