On Saturday, boxer David Avanesyan will try to surprise the boxing world, in a world title fight against WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford.
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In an interview with ESPN, the manager of Avanesyan, Neil Marsh, let it be known that his protege intended to send his Crawford to the mat.
The challenge promises to be colossal, since Avanesyan (29-3-1, 17 K.-O.), a 34-year-old Russian, will face an experienced opponent who has never known defeat (38-0, 29 KOs). Crawford, an American, will be the heavy favorite in a fight at home in front of his supporters at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
“David can knock anyone out,” Marsh said. I consider Crawford the best among the 147-pound boxers, but on Saturday, if David catches him, anything could happen.
“We are under no illusions. It’s a tough job, but we’re aiming for one thing, the knockout, and I’m confident David is going to do everything to win this fight.”
Since his two losses against Lamont Peterson and Egidijus Kavaliauskas, in 2017 and 2018, Avanesyan has enjoyed a six-game winning streak.
“David has improved tremendously since those losses and I think the results showed that,” Marsh said.
“I am largely neglected”
His protege intends to ruin the party in Nebraska.
“I know I’m largely overlooked and no one is giving me a chance, but let me tell you, I’m going to surprise everyone,” Avanesyan said. I had enough time to prepare, so I will be ready for the left-hander. I have to stick to the game plan we have in place, and if any adjustments need to be made during the fight, I will make them.”
“The bad habits that hurt me at the start of my career are now behind me,” he added. Today I am a completely different boxer in the ring, and my last six fights have shown my progress. I think my aggressive style is going to cause problems for Crawford.