Terence Crawford’s fight against David Avanesyan is set to go ahead this weekend after his clash with Errol Spence Jr fell through. The undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO welterweight world title clash has been put on the backburner, with Crawford instead making a make a voluntary defence of his WBO 147lb belt.
Avaneysan boasts a 29-3-1 record and is the reigning European welterweight champion. So, the 34-year-old Russian will be keen to claim his first world title since 2017, when he held the WBA welterweight belt.
Meanwhile, Crawford has not fought since beating Shawn Porter in 2021, becoming the first man to stop him. ‘Bud’ (38-0) became a free agent after that clash, which finally allowed him to pursue the Spence bout.
But despite the pair finally agreeing terms, negotiations fell through and Crawford will instead face Avanesyan.
Crawford vs Avanesyan: Date and start time
This WBO welterweight fight has been pencilled in for Saturday, December 10.
The bout will take place at CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, with ring walks set to be around 4am UK time on Sunday, December 11.
Crawford vs Avanesyan: What has been said?
Terence Crawford: “I’m excited about this opportunity.
“David Avanesyan is a very tough task. He’s knocked out his last six opponents and this guy is dangerous. Once I’m successful against Avanesyan, my plan is still the same – whoop Errol Spence’s a**.”
And the American hopes that clash with Spence can happen next year – although he is frustrated with how things transpired: “Me and Errol, if that fight happens, it will happen next year. I just don’t like the fact that a lot of people are blaming me for trying to make the fight.
“I just blame the business of boxing. I don’t blame myself for [even] one portion of the fight not being made. … I felt like I agreed to everything that I needed to agree to.
“I feel like I’ve done everything I’m supposed to do as an independent fighter to get that fight made. But there’s only so much I can do.”
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