Newark’s Russian welterweight, David Avanesyan, 28-3-1 (16) returns to the ring next month, at Wembley Arena, in a EBU European welterweight title defence, against Finland’s undefeated, Oskari Metz, 15-0 (5), under the Frank Warren/Queensberry Promotions banner.
Avanesyan, who has won his last five outings via stoppage (four TKO and one KO), won the title in the first of those, against Kerman Lejarraga, back in March 2019, whilst his last outing was a TKO2 of Liam Taylor in October last year.
Having recently joined the Warren/Queensberry stable, Avanesyan faces the fifth defence of his championship belt on a car which also sees a number of other title contests taking place, including the undefeated Hamzah Sheeraz, 14-0 (10) and Jez Smith,13-4-1 (6), colliding for vacant WBC International Silver middleweight.
In what is said to be ‘a happy hunting’ ground for the 33-year-old, 32-fight veteran fighter, Avanesyan said: “I am very happy to be fighting in front of my British fans at my favourite venue in Wembley where I had great nights in the past year.
“Enjoy the show, I am back!”
Born in Tabynskoe, Russia, Avanesyan made his professional debut back in 2009, the first of some twenty fights in his homeland, a UD4 success over then fellow debutant, Vazgen Agadzhanyan, whilst his first title fight would come against Ruslan Khayrtdinov, for the Russian middleweight, in May 2011.
Also appearing on the Wembley fight card is Louie Lynn vs. James Beech Jnr, Sam Noakes vs. Vincenzo Finiello, Dennis McCann vs. Charles Tondo, Mark Chamberlain steps up to ten rounds alongside an outing for Henry Turner in a six-rounder.
Masood Abdullah faces Engel Gomez, Sonny Liston Ali takes on Sean Davis, Khalid Ali opposes Kris Pilkington and there’s the eagerly anticipated, professional debut, of two-time European championship gold medallist, Royston Barney-Smith makes his pro debut, he having turned eighteen just last month.
Taking place on Saturday 19 March, tickets for David Avanesyan against Oskari Metz, for the EBU European welterweight strap are available from axs.com.
*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).
*Main image @badlefthook David Avanesyan set to defend his European title at Wembley.
