Philippines, 07 Jul 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


AVANESYAN: I’LL DEAL WITH KELLY ONCE AND FOR ALL

PhilBoxing.com




David Avanesyan has vowed to deal with Josh Kelly “once and for all” ahead of their long-awaited showdown for the European Welterweight Title on Saturday February 20, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

The rivals were due to meet at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield back in December 2018 before an illness forced Kelly to withdraw from the contest on the day of the fight, leading to “bottle job” jibes from Avanesyan’s manager Neil Marsh as bad blood boiled over between the camps.

After ripping the European Title from Bilbao’s Kerman Lejarraga on away soil in March 2019 and making two successful defences later that year, Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) finds himself on the cusp of another World Title shot should be hand a first defeat to former Team GB standout Kelly next month.

“The first time we were supposed to fight Kelly said ‘no fight’ three hours before the first bell,” said Avanesyan. “It was very difficult for me. You give everything to this sport, all of that hard work and losing the weight. I still don’t understand why. People say that Kelly was feeling unwell, but I saw Kelly in the evening after the weigh-in looking happy and speaking with friends. Everything was good.

“I’ve been training for this fight for over two years. I hope everything will be okay 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.

“Kelly is a good fighter. 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.

“I want to show the fans a good fight. I’ll do my best and give everything to win. After Kelly I need another World Title fight. For now, all of my focus and energy is on my fight on February 20 and defending my European Title. I am here to deal with Kelly once and for all.”

Avanesyan vs. Kelly tops a huge night of action, Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (13-1, 10 KOs) returns against Spain’s Jorge Fortea (21-2-1, 7 KOs), undefeated Welterweights Florian Marku (7-0-1, 5 KOs) and Rylan Charlton (6-0-1, 3 KOs) meet in what promises to be an explosive ten-round battle, Amy Timlin (4-0-1) and Carly Skelly (3-0-1) rematch for the vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title after their split draw on the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Derek Chisora undercard last October and explosive Romford Heavyweight Johnny Fisher makes his highly anticipated professional debut.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Martin dares Inoue, Casimero
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 07 Jul 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 6 JULY 2026: Abdullah Mason Stops Albert Bell in 12; Carrington Outpoints Palacios; Wins by Mossely, Sadjo, El Hadri.
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 07 Jul 2026
  • Quiñonero to fight again on August 28
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 07 Jul 2026
  • MannyPay Global Launches U.S. Merchant Processing Division to Help Small Businesses Lower Payment Costs and Accelerate Growth
    , Tue, 07 Jul 2026
  • Murat Gassiev to face Peter Kadiru for the WBA Heavyweight world title
    , Tue, 07 Jul 2026
  • Bansilan, Tan rule Faith Run
    , Tue, 07 Jul 2026
  • Teremoana and new Matchroom Boxing signing Zerafa confirmed for big August 12 card in Australia
    , Mon, 06 Jul 2026
  • Jayson Vayson Returns to World Rankings
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 06 Jul 2026
  • Yor beats Salisad in technical decision, wants rematch
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 06 Jul 2026
  • War, Chess, and Writs: Why Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II is Postponed, Not Scrapped
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 06 Jul 2026
  • Nabunturan wins 3-on-3 MMA
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 06 Jul 2026
  • Clarion, Yanon suffer KO losses in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 06 Jul 2026
  • Abdullah Mason Stops Albert Bell To Defend Lightweight Crown
    , Sun, 05 Jul 2026
  • CARLO BIADO IS THE 2026 INDONESIA INTERNATIONAL OPEN CHAMPION
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 05 Jul 2026
  • Fight options for Manny
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sun, 05 Jul 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The World Cup: a great celebration of peace and joy
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Sun, 05 Jul 2026
  • Abdullah Mason vs Albert Bell Debuts DAZN/TNT Sports Deal
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • Jonas Magpantay advances to the quarterfinals
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • Weigh-In Results: Abdullah Mason vs. Albert Bell
    , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • All Set for the All-Undefeated Clash Between Christopher Guerrero and Delante 'Tiger' Johnson Tomorrow Night in Cleveland
    , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • Brave Alvin "Felemon" Dologuin Bested in Australia
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • BKFC TRIUMPHANTLY RETURNS TO NEWARK’S PRUDENTIAL CENTER ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
    , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • Tony Yoka forced to withdraw from Murat Gassiev WBA heavyweight title shot due to back injury
    , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • Recarte Tiauson wins Canlaon chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • Press Conference Notes: Abdullah Mason and Albert Bell Set for All-Ohio World Title Clash Saturday LIVE on TNT & DAZN
    , Fri, 03 Jul 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.