In 2017, David Avanesyan fought former junior welterweight champion Lamont Peterson, for all the marbles.
The fight was competitive. Check out the top boxing odds.
Peterson worked the body. His power shots were more accurate. Avanesyan absorbed the blows and hung tough, but the unanimous decision went to Peterson.
Almost a year later, he fought contender Egidijus Kavaliauskas. Buzzed by a left hook in round three, the end came in round six.
Avanesyan laid off for a year. He returned to face European welterweight champion Kerman Lejarraga in Bilbao, Spain.
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Behind on points, he stopped Lejarraga in round nine.
A rematch went down nine months later in the same arena. Avanesyan needed less than three minutes to win the sequel.
One more victory set up a crossroads fight with hometown hero Josh Kelly in London.
Kelly started well, but Avanesyan wore him down and won by stoppage. Avanesyan scored knockouts in his next two fights.
The chance of a world title shot was slim – until the phone rang.
Terence Crawford needed an opponent. Negotiations for the long-awaited duel with Errol Spence had broken down.
Crawford wanted to fight in his hometown of Omaha. There were no takers until Avanesyan accepted.
“This is a big chance, big fight; I’m happy,” said Avanesyan to Pro Boxing Fans a few weeks ago. “I give everything 100%. I need to win this fight.”
Win the fight?
Against undefeated Terence Crawford?
Crawford won his first title eight years ago by traveling to Glasgow. He pocketed his second belt by defeating Thomas Dulorme. Viktor Postol was next. A dominating third-round knockout of Julius Indongo unified the division.
In 2018, Crawford picked up the WBO welterweight title by beating up Jeff Horn in Sin City.
Crawford has won his last nine fights inside the distance.
Though heavily favored to make Avanesyan his next victim, Crawford is not taking anything for granted.
”David Avanesyan is a good fighter,” Crawford said at a media workout yesterday. “He’s on a good winning streak and beat a guy in the U.K., Josh Kelly, who people thought would be a star. I have to train like I am facing King Kong on Dec.10th because Avanesyan has everything to gain and nothing to lose. I know he will bring everything on, so I’m not looking past him. This will be the best Avanesyan, so I must be the best Terence Crawford.”
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Avanesyan is very aware of what he’s facing.
The 34-year-old is saying the right things.
“On December 10th, you’ll see how David Avanesyan beat Terence Crawford,” replied Avanesyan.
Crawford,35, has more than usual to prove.
“My goal is to remind the world that world I am the best fighter on the planet, so everyone needs to tune in on this new BLK Prime PPV platform. I am fighting to be the best and give fighters fair and equitable treatment in negotiations moving forward.”
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