So much for third-time lucky?
Josh Kelly’s challenge for David Avanesyan’s European championship is off … again. For now at any rate.
Matchroom announced postponement number three of this mouthwatering GB v Russia welterweight showdown on January 30, following a directive from the British Boxing Board of Control.
A Matchroom statement read: ‘Following a ruling from the British Boxing Board of Control, the David Avanesyan vs. Josh Kelly event scheduled to take place on Saturday January 30 has been postponed.
‘In a statement, the BBBofC said: “Following the increase in COVID-19 cases in the United Kingdom and the effects such increases has on the NHS and the work of the Board Medical Officers, it has been decided that no tournaments under the jurisdiction of the British Boxing Board of Control will take place in January 2021.
‘A further review by the Board’s Medical Panel and Stewards will take place later in January in relation to tournaments from February onwards.
‘Matchroom Boxing will announce the rescheduled date for Avanesyan vs. Kelly as soon as possible.’
Boxing was wiped out for five months last year from the spring to summer, before a series of televised behind-closed-doors events staged by Eddie Hearn, Frank Warren and MTK.
The roll out of the Covid vaccine had raised hopes that life might return to normal by Easter but a return to normal is looking a long way off.
It’s the third time that Avanesyan-Kelly contest has bitten the dust.
The rivals were originally due to collide in December 2018 in Sheffield, where Kelly was defending his WBA International belt on a show headlined by Kell Brook.
But when Pretty Boy was taken ill on the day of the confrontation it was called off, much to the consternation of Ava’s manager, Neil Marsh.
It was too good a match not to happen and a clash was set for March 2020 at the O2 in London, this time for Ava’s European crown, only for the outbreak of the coronavirus to put paid to it.
However, a fight we all wanted to see was re-scheduled for January 30, at a location to be announced.
Alas, Covid 19 has interrupted plans again, but it will happen, surely?
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
