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David Avanesyan handed Josh Kelly his first professional loss tonight in London, stopping Kelly in the sixth round to retain the European welterweight title.
The 32-year-old Avanesayan (27-3-1, 15 KO) will now surely be looking to figure a way into the world title mix. Errol Spence (WBC and IBF) looks set to face Yordenis Ugas (WBA), and Terence Crawford (WBO) might get Manny Pacquiao or Shawn Porter, but there’s always the WBA’s “world” welterweight title, which is currently vacant, and you never know, maybe Crawford doesn’t get Pacquiao or Porter, at which point Avanesyan probably becomes as good an option as anyone available.
For the 26-year-old Kelly (10-1-1, 6 KO), it’s a harsh setback, possibly a brutal reality check for his prospects as a pro. That’s not to count him out, but his style may simply be built more for the amateurs than the nastier, tougher professional ranks. If he can change some things and fix some weaknesses, maybe he comes back strong and becomes what he was hoped to be. Maybe not.
Here’s how fighters in the UK and elsewhere reacted to today’s fight:
Seems a really nice man does David Avanesyan! He done amazing tonight! Come through that early storm to prevail! He’s a problem for anyone in that division! I look forward to seeing him fight again! #AvanesyanKelly
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) February 20, 2021
I think Kelly let avanesyan carry him to fast while he was tryna catch a 2nd wind for the 2nd half of the fight thats was a good scrap tho congrats to the winner @DAZNBoxing
— JulianJrockWilliams (@Jrockboxing) February 20, 2021
Bags and pads don’t hit back
— Darren Barker (@DarrenBarker82) February 20, 2021
Seems harsh but you can’t run before you walk. Experience is so important. I wish Kelly well and with help and the above he can come back.
— Darren Barker (@DarrenBarker82) February 20, 2021
But huge respect for taking such a step up so early in his career.
— Darren Barker (@DarrenBarker82) February 20, 2021
This is boxing. People win and people lose that is sport. Gutted for my brother @JOSHPBK . Congrats to team Ava on their victory.
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) February 21, 2021
What a fight, kelly classy as we know, avanesyn solid fighter, good chin.
— Liam Smith (@LiamBeefySmith) February 20, 2021
Great call by Adam booth they really looked after his fighter hope Kelly’s ok
— Enzo Maccarinelli (@theRealEnzoMac) February 20, 2021
Good call by Adam booth. Live to fight another day, gutted for josh. Well done AVA he is an absolute warrior. Josh will bounce back.
— Charlie Edwards (@CEdwardsBoxing) February 20, 2021
Josh invested way too much in those early rounds. He could not keep that for 12 rounds. I honestly think he could of kept him at range for much longer if he didn’t get dragged in instantly
— Sunny Edwards (@SunnyEdwards) February 20, 2021
Heartbroke for Kelly there. Boxing a hard and lonely sport - but tried and tested AVA was spot on. He knew he was going to have to take a load to get to him and he did. Great fight
— Sunny Edwards (@SunnyEdwards) February 20, 2021
Absolutely gutted for Josh Kelly he’ll be back. #SkySportsboxing #AvanesyanKelly
— Richard Riakporhe (@R_Riakporhe) February 20, 2021
Take a bow @DavidAvaBoxer & @JOSHPBK great fight while lasted
— Joe Gallagher (@JoeG) February 20, 2021
Great performance from @DavidAvaBoxer he just wouldn’t be denied. @JOSHPBK started well but couldn’t handle the relentless pace, in fairness not many could. @SkySportsBoxing & @MatchroomBoxing great show .
— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) February 20, 2021
Good stoppage by Booth and good stoppage for Charlton. We talk about the bad ones so we should praise the good! Both live to fight again and stopped at the right time
— Paul Smith (@PaulSmithJnr) February 20, 2021
Absolutely gutted for my mate @JOSHPBK
— Joe Cordina OLY (@JoeCordina_91) February 20, 2021
Too soon for Kelly, Aveaysan is well schooled fighter who knows the game, but respect for taking the step up against the Russian
— Anthony Fowler (@afowler06) February 20, 2021
Wow. Great fight. After the 2nd round Josh looked liked he was boxing out of his comfort zone a bit which told as rounds went on. Great fight. JK will be back#AvanesyanKelly
— Chris Billam-Smith (@ChrisBillam) February 20, 2021
Congratulations to @DavidAvaBoxer and @CarlGreavesPro on a great performance tonight, some serious pressure! Gutted for @JOSHPBK as he was looking sharp with some lovely boxing on show early on! Great fight! #AvanesyanKelly @SkySportsBoxing
— Hannah Rankin (@Team_Rankin) February 20, 2021
What a pro David is BEAST over the moon for @CarlGreavesPro the job he’s done as a trainer, great advice and the tactics was spot on no space no rush push on 2nd half you can’t buy experience- hope Kelly is good 154 the future for him #Boxing
— Stefy Bull (@StefyBull) February 20, 2021
Josh Kelly looked so sharp early in the fight but David made it a rough and tough fight and wore him down gradually before the stoppage
— Ohara Davies (@OharaDavies) February 20, 2021
I hold my up I thought josh would win easy tonight due to his skills , but massive well done to @DavidAvaBoxer @CarlGreavesPro @neilmarsh3 great win
— derry mathews (@derrymathews23) February 20, 2021
Damn. Avanesyan said “not quite ready yet son” #AvanesyanKelly
— Mykal(Michael) Fox (@ProfessorMyke) February 20, 2021
@JOSHPBK hold your head man. You’ll bounce back.
— Mykal(Michael) Fox (@ProfessorMyke) February 20, 2021
Some class by @boxingbooth throwing the towel in....step to early but @JOSHPBK will be back and a top class finish by @DavidAvaBoxer #AvanesyanKelly
— Kalle & Nisse Sauerland (@SauerlandBros) February 20, 2021
Unlucky Kelly, well done @DavidAvaBoxer great fight both put it on the line, great fighters! People shouldnt bad mouth Kelly or any fighter after a loss because it takes alot to get in there! Congrats both men!
— Raza Hamza (@real_razahamza) February 20, 2021
Great win for @DavidAvaBoxer the calibre and depth of experience was too much. Once he knew he had him he jumped a few gears and it was too much for Kelly at this time. Got to go back and learn from this. He'll know what he needs in his locker just to hang in with the top guys.
— Tom Langford (@Tommy_Langford1) February 20, 2021
Wow! I didn’t see that coming..@JOSHPBK is still an exceptional fighter and will come again, soon
— Conrad Cummings (@ChampCummings) February 20, 2021
@SkySportsBoxing #kellyavanesyan pic.twitter.com/Z3RtuPIk8y