David Avanesyan has waited for over two years to cross swords with Josh Kelly and intends to “deal with” his arch-rival when they finally meet on February 20.
The UK-based Russian defends his European welterweight crown against the undefeated 26-year-old at a venue still to be announced, live on Sky Sports.
It is a fight which has grown in interest and intensity because we’ve all had to wait so long for it to happen.
Originally, Kelly was due to make the second defence of his WBA International welterweight belt against the former world champ in Sheffield on the undercard of a Kell Brook event, only for the Sunderland star to fall ill before the show.
Now, Avanesyan is the reigning champion and the exciting-looking confrontation is the headline attraction, as it was scheduled to be last March, only for the Coronavirus pandemic to intervene.
The late Sheffield postponement sent Neil Marsh, the manager of Avanesyan, into a rage, accusing Kelly and his coach, Adam Booth, of being “complete bottle jobs.”
Ava has spoken little of those events but they have clearly been a source of frustration and, seemingly, motivation.
“I’ve been training for this fight for over two years,” said the 32-year-old, who has lost only three times in 30 contests.
“I hope everything will be OK this time.
“I will never disrespect any fighter, but let’s just say the events of the past couple of years have made me very angry.
“The fact I have to spend Christmas away from my family and young child has given me extra motivation, not that any was needed.
“I am here to deal with Kelly once and for all.”
Avanesyan, based in Newark, Nottinghamshire, where he trains under coach Carl Greaves, has been in incredible form since the original battle fell through.
He won the European title in Spain, beating Bilbao’s Kerman Lejarraga before stopping him inside a round in their September re-match before his most recent defence was equally spectacular hammering Jose del Rio, again in the first session and again in Spain.
For all he was upset at the circumstances of the Sheffield pull-out, Avanesyan says nothing bad about ‘Pretty Boy’ as a boxer.
“Kelly is a good fighter,” he added.
“He was a good amateur boxer. His professional record is good so far. He’s sharp and fast.
“I have the experience over him. Now is my time. I need to take the big fights. I’m ready. I’m working with my team to give everything for another World Title.
“My style is to give everything, take my time and ensure that I get the win.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
