Josh Kelly vs. David Avanesyan - 20 February 2021

[forcefraser]

Kelly got his work cut out here. A dodgy draw again?

[skanksta]

Kelly got his work cut out here. A dodgy draw again?

Or a genuine draw ?
I think Kelly's last draw was fair and this could be too. It's likely to go 12 and be close, plus Kelly's flashy style is a bit 'marmite' isn't it ?
One judge sees a "boxing lesson" while another sees fannying about.

[margaret thatcher]

Kelly got his work cut out here. A dodgy draw again?

One judge sees a "boxing lesson" while another sees fannying about.

lol good way to put it , for him, guy like hughie fury, selby, etc

[smiling assassin]

Josh Kelly will get poggered. I don’t think he will hear the final bell

[brilo33]

really tough fight this one avanesyan is legit gate keeper , so much time has past from the orginal date, i thought kelly could out box him and cause him trouble kelly points huge win if done

[Ruthless-RKO]

Shame this will be called off!

Can they just postpone it into Feb? Or end of Feb?

BBBofC are gonna do another review end of Jan.

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.

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Warrington-Xu, Avanesyan-Kelly To Be Among Matchroom February Fights

Josh Warrington is set to headline Matchroom’s first show of 2021 on February 13, with Eddie Hearn confident that the IBF featherweight champion will be in a unification fight with WBA champion Can Xu.

The Warrington-Xu fight was originally pegged for early June at Headingley rugby league stadium in Leeds, Warrington’s first fight since re-signing with Hearn. But the coronavirus pandemic put paid to that and Warrington, who has not boxed since stopping Sofiane Takoucht in two rounds in October 2019, was left on the sidelines during Matchroom’s Fight Camp summer series and the Wembley Arena residency between October and December.

The announcement by the British Boxing Board of Control to scrap all professional boxing in January in the UK seemed to further delay Warrington, but the Board announced on Monday morning that it intended to restart shows from mid-February, meaning that Warrington will keep the date he had been preparing for.

Hearn hopes to confirm the fight on Tuesday or Wednesday, one of a series of cards to be announced stretching into April, including a rematch between Alexander Povetkin and Dillian Whyte and a rearranged WBO cruiserweight title fight between Lawrence Okolie and Krzysztof Glowacki.

A deal to face Xu is yet to be concluded, though, while Xu’s status with the WBA is confirmed. The Chinese boxer had been expected to be elevated to “super champion” after Leo Santa Cruz, who last boxed for the title in February 2019, lost to Gervonta Davis in a fight the WBA somehow approved for both their super-featherweight and lightweight titles. Santa Cruz, though, is refusing to give up the belt, Hearn said.

“The only issue we have is surrounding the WBA title,” Hearn told Boxing Social. “[Santa Cruz] will never box at 126 again, in my opinion. But, in boxing, people want to stop your progress and get in the way and, apparently, he will be boxing at 126. I want Josh Warrington to become WBA super champion if he takes that fight. That fight with no crowd is a complete 50-50 fight, it is such a tough fight.

“The next 24 hours will be critical for that fight.”

The second show, on February 20, will feature the European welterweight title fight between David Avanesyan and Josh Kelly, which was pushed back from January 30.

“2021 for us is the year that Matchroom dominate globally,” Hearn said. “In that respect, in out key market, which is the UK, we have to come out firing.”

One thing that is unlikely to be announced this week, though, is a venue, with Matchroom looking at several options in the UK for a behind-closed-doors fight.

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Anthony Fowler taking on Jorge Fortea on the undercard..

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AVANESYAN vs. KELLY

Russia’s European Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited Title defense against Josh Kelly (10-0-1, 6 KOs) at the top of the bill the following week on Saturday, February 20.

Undefeated Welterweights Florian Marku (7-0-1, 5 KOs) and Rylan Charlton (6-0-1, 3 KOs) meet what promises to be an explosive ten-round battle.

Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (13-1, 10 KOs) returns against Spain’s Jorge Fortea (21-2-1, 7 KOs) following his win over Adam Harper at Fight Camp.

Amy Timlin (4-0-1) and Carly Skelly (3-0-1) will rematch with the vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title on the line.

The clash comes after their split draw on the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Derek Chisora undercard last October.

Explosive Romford Heavyweight Johnny Fisher makes his highly anticipated professional debut.

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Matchroom Sport Managing Director Eddie Hearn said: “Even in a pandemic I feel like this is the strongest start to a year Matchroom have had in a long time. It’s going to be a rough ride over the next couple of months but with plenty of drama and excitement along the way. We have some thrilling main events and stacked cards that feature some of the biggest names in British boxing return to action as we look to make a real statement in 2021.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development for Sky Sports, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with our strongest start to a New Year as we bring you more of the biggest names in British boxing.

“The hugely popular Josh Warrington kicks off our first live show on Sky Sports against Mauricio Lara, with a unification clash in touching distance.

“Josh Kelly settles his long-running rivalry with David Avanesyan, while Amy Timlin and Carly Skelly share the ring again on the same bill after battling to a draw.

“Dillian Whyte and Alexander Povetkin delivered one of the most dramatic Heavyweight fights of last year and we’re expecting more fireworks in their rematch, with Campbell Hatton also making his pro debut, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

“Lawrence Okolie finally receives his World Title fight against Krzysztof Glowacki on another exciting night that features Ramla Ali’s return and Chantelle Cameron’s first defence of her WBC belt.

“It’s then Conor Benn’s turn to take centre stage in a crucial showdown with Samuel Vargas. Boxing is back in 2021, so get ready for more epic fights on Sky Sports.”

DAZN EVP Joseph Markowski said: “From a Heavyweight rematch to championship fights to a highly anticipated pro debut, the early 2021 schedule from Matchroom has a little bit of everything and we look forward to delivering these events to fans around the world on DAZN.”

[Coco]

AVANESYAN vs. KELLY


Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (13-1, 10 KOs) returns against Spain’s Jorge Fortea (21-2-1, 7 KOs) following his win over Adam Harper at Fight Camp.

I boxed on the same bill as Jorge Fortea once, nice lad, also he is quite a tall, long armed smart boxer who moves well.
However he lacks pop and is naturally much smaller than Fowler. It is possible that the Spaniard will be competitive enough for the first few rounds but I expect Fowler to walk him down and beat him up before half way.

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Press Release | Anthony Fowler returns on February 20

Anthony Fowler wants to fight Sergio Garcia next if he can get past the European Super-Welterweight Champion’s compatriot Jorge Fortea on Saturday February 20, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the US and more than 200 countries and territories.

Garcia is known on these shores for inflicting a first career defeat on Fowler’s domestic rival Ted Cheeseman at The O2 in London back in February 2019 in his only fight outside of Spain to date. ‘El Nino’ outworked and outclassed Cheeseman over 12 rounds to maintain his unbeaten record.

‘The Machine’ progressed to 13-1 (10 KOs) last time out with a punishing seventh round stoppage of the tough and game Adam Harper at Fight Camp, and the former Team GB standout says he is ready to push on towards British and European level as he approaches his 30th birthday in March.

“I’ve got to step up now,” said Fowler. “I’ve been pro for a few years. I’ve had 14 fights so it’s about time that I step up the levels. This lad is ranked in the world and he’s no mug. I’ve got to be ready for a long fight because he’s going to be hard to pin down and catch. I’ve got to keep my composure, stay calm and follow the game plan.

“He looks like a tricky lad. He went 12 rounds with a Russian called Bakhram Murtazaliev who I think is rated number one with the IBF. This is a good test to prepare me for the bigger fights that are coming my way later this year.

“When I beat Fortea I want to box a Sergio Garcia or Ted Cheeseman. That’s the level I want to be at this year. I want to be pushing on now and testing myself. Garcia would be a great fight for me and I could potentially box him after Fortea. Until I prove myself at British and European level I can’t start calling for the big names.

“I feel like I’m coming into my own this year. There’s no point messing around anymore. It’s time to push on now and see what level I’m at. I want to be a contender. I want to be British, European and World Champion. I’ve got to be fighting these kids and beating them well. It’s about time I tested myself.”

Fowler vs. Fortea is part of a big night of action, Russia’s European Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited Title defence against Josh Kelly (10-0-1, 6 KOs) at the top of the bill, 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.

[Coco]

Garcia is a different level to Fortea, Fortea should be a straightforward fight for Fowler

[maverick23]

Garcia is a different level to Fortea, Fortea should be a straightforward fight for Fowler

Yep - and if they want Fowler to keep winning then they should keep him well away from Garcia.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Garcia is a different level to Fortea, Fortea should be a straightforward fight for Fowler

Yep - and if they want Fowler to keep winning then they should keep him well away from Garcia.

yeh, Garcia should step up soon.

[maverick23]

Garcia is a different level to Fortea, Fortea should be a straightforward fight for Fowler

Yep - and if they want Fowler to keep winning then they should keep him well away from Garcia.

yeh, Garcia should step up soon.

He should have stepped up 18 months ago after he completely dominated Cheeseman. He’s been treading water since.

[Coco]

Yep - and if they want Fowler to keep winning then they should keep him well away from Garcia.

yeh, Garcia should step up soon.

He should have stepped up 18 months ago after he completely dominated Cheeseman. He’s been treading water since.

Lack of money in Spain and Garcia doesn't sell a lot of tickets.
Also foreign promoters aren't queuing up to give Garcia a payday for beating their boy.

[brilo33]

to me it was avanesyan wins over Lejarraga that impressed me , he is tough man soild boxer , josh will no doubt have to put in his best to beat him , which i think he can 60/40 in avanesyan favour for me, but i lkie josh i think he can improve on his last fights and get the win here

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Card will take place from the SSE Wembley Arena

[forcefraser]

Can't see Kelly winning this.

He looked great against knockover jobs, but his steps up have not been impressive

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Press Release

Matchroom Boxing will return to The SSE Arena, Wembley for Josh Warrington vs. Mauricio Lara on Saturday February 13 and David Avanesyan vs. Josh Kelly on Saturday February 20, with both events shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

Matchroom’s first two events of 2021 kick off a stacked schedule that also features the highly anticipated Heavyweight rematch between Alexander Povetkin and Dillian Whyte on Saturday March 6, Lawrence Okolie’s shot at the WBO Cruiserweight crown against Krzysztof Glowacki on Saturday March 20 and rising Welterweight star Conor Benn vs. Samuel Vargas on Saturday April 10.

This follows on from Matchroom’s hugely successful residency at The SSE Arena, Wembley in October, November and December last year that that saw pound-for-pound star Oleksander Usyk outpoint Derek Chisora, Undisputed Lightweight ruler Katie Taylor retain her belts against Miriam Gutierrez, Conor Benn turn in a career-best performance against Sebastian Formella, Billy Joe Saunders defend his WBO Super-Middleweight crown against Martin Murray and culminated in Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua brutally knocking out Kubrat Pulev in front of 1,000 fans.

Matchroom’s 2021 schedule launches with a bang on February 13 as Warrington (30-0, 7 KOs) faces Mexico’s Mauricio Lara (21-2, 14 KOs) while he waits for a huge fight later in the year, Manchester Super-Featherweight contender Zelfa Barrett (24-1, 15 KOs) defends his IBF Intercontinental Title against Spain’s former Super-Bantamweight World Champion Kiko Martinez (41-9-2, 29 KOs) in the chief support bout, Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (23-2, 13 KOs) clashes with unbeaten Doncaster man Reece Mould (13-0, 6 KOs) for the vacant British Featherweight Title, fast-rising Sheffield Super-Lightweight talent Dalton Smith (6-0, 5 KOs) sees action, Leeds Featherweight Hopey Price (3-0, 1 KO) meets Zahid Hussain (16-1, 2 KOs) and Keighley Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (2-0) steps up against Jonny Phillips (5-5, 2 KOs).

Russia’s European Welterweight Champion Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited Title defence against Kelly (10-0-1, 6 KOs) at the top of the bill on February 20, 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.

John Drury, VP and General Manager at The SSE Arena, Wembley, said: "We’re delighted to welcome Matchroom Boxing back to The SSE Arena, Wembley for our first events of 2021. We’re looking forward to another huge residency, with ASM Global’s VenueShield protocols keeping everyone at our venue safe and comfortable in a welcoming and Covid-secure environment."

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