On Saturday, May 28, at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona, WBA Continental super welterweight champion Shane Mosley, the future hall of famer from Pomona, California, fights reigning and defending interim WBA World welterweight champion David Avanesyan (21-1-1, 11 KOs), who hails from Tabynskoye, Russia, but fights out of the UK.
With a new trainer, Panamanian legend Roberto Duran, in his corner, 44-year-old Mosley, a former three-weight champion, is making another run at a title.
His 27-year-old opponent won the interim WBA title in his last fight, a TKO against Charlie Navarro in Monte Carlo last November.
Neil Marsh, Avanesyan’s manager and promoter, is delighted that his fighter has the chance to defend his title against such quality opposition.
“David has only been with me for 10 months,” he said, “but in that time we’ve managed to get him from fringe rankings to number one in the WBA. His last win really took him to the next level and, against Shane, we’re very confident he can continue his momentum.
“The winner of this fight should really be in the mix with some of the biggest names at and around welterweight—Rios, Peterson, Garcia, Porter, Bradley, even Kell Brook and Amir Khan, but Keith Thurman is a likely next fight as he holds the WBA regular title. It really is that big. For David it’s a chance to get amongst fighters of that caliber and have a really good go at them. And for Shane, it’s a chance for him to get back to the level he was once at. He’s a great boxer, a true legend of the sport, and, such is the esteem he is held, a win would get him another world title chance against any of those fighters no problem.”
Marsh and Avanesyan were in Panama in December for the 94th WBA Convention. It was there that they met Mosley,and talk of a fight between the two men began. They also watched Shane win the WBA Continental title against Patrick Lopez at Arena Roberto Duran.
“We talked about the possibility of the fight,” continued Marsh, “and with David having the interim title, it was something that Shane was immediately interested in.
“We’ve been working on the contract for a couple of months and Shane finally signed last week. Sometimes what goes on in the background to secure top fights like this can be a bit frustrating but Shane and his team have been superb all the way through, a pleasure to work with.”
Avanesyan is no less thrilled at the prospect of fighting Mosley.
“When I first heard that Neil was talking about the fight I couldn’t believe it. He is one of the all-time greats [and] even to meet him would be an honor [let alone] face him in the ring in defense of my belt. I am already in training and looking forward to going to America to meet him. Hopefully I can retain my belt and meet some of the other top fighters in the world there soon.”
Speaking from the offices of his promotional company last week, Mosley said: “I’m really looking forward to the fight. I’ve seen tapes of David and he’s a good fighter. He works hard and is very strong.”
There is no one Mosley hasn’t fought. David Avanesyan is about join the starry roster that includes Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Canelo Alvarez, Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya, and a host of others.
The addition of Roberto Duran to Team Mosley may make a huge difference.
“I am very happy to have Duran on my team,” said Mosley. “This is the type of addition that will push me even farther. He is a fighter that I looked up to when I was coming up. How can you not learn from a legend like him?
“I’ve been working in the gym but proper training, with Roberto, who I met in Panama, will start soon. The winner of this fight will be at the very top, with some big fights in America in the future. I can’t wait to take care of business.”
This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.
