Avanesyan to fight on Birmingham bill

Avanesyan…surprise addition to BCB show. Pic: Queensberry Promotions

BLACK Country Boxing Promotions have gained quite a coup by securing the services of a world class operator for their pre-Christmas show.

David Avanesyan will box for the first time since his WBO world title defeat against Terrance Crawford on BCB’s December 20 ‘Fight Before Xmas’ bill. The venue is Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms.

 Twelve months have passed since that night in Omaha when Avanesyan was stopped in six. In Birmingham, he will get the chance to let his hands go and shed ring rust ahead of some more huge nights in 2024.

 Long avoided by the division’s best, Avanesyan landed a clash with Hall of Famer Shane Mosley back in 2015 in a defence of the WBA Interim world title he won six months prior against Charlie Navarro. Boxing in Sugar Shane’s backyard, the Russian-born Armenian put on a clinic, taking a wide unanimous decision.

He lost his next fight, a controversial points defeat to Lamont Peterson, and returned across the Atlantic, where he picked up the European title, stopping Spain’s Kerman Lejarraga in Bilbao. “Ava” made five successful defences of the belt, including big stoppage wins against Jose Del Rio, Josh Kelly, Liam Taylor, Oskari Metz, and Kerman Lejarraga again, before vacating to take on boxing’s pound-for-pound king.

Often linked with big names, he remains in the top 15 of the world rankings and has shown he can be a nightmare for any opponent. December 20 will give fans a chance to see one of the best in the division up close. It’s a great addition to an already stacked card.

Promoter Errol Johnson said: “David is a world-class fighter who has boxed one of the best fighters in the world and has beaten many of Europe’s best welterweights. He is a very welcome addition to the event and a fighter I am sure people will look forward to seeing in Birmingham.”

*Tickets for the December 20 show are available now from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com, priced at £40 standard and £80 VIP ringside.