Fight Card Preview - Avanesyan vs Kelly & Undercard
By Eliot Stott
David Avanesyan vs Josh Kelly
Over two years after they were originally scheduled to meet, David Avanesyan & Josh Kelly top the bill this Saturday night as Matchroom Boxing return to Wembley Arena after Josh Warrington suffered a shock defeat to Mexican Mauricio Lara.
Originally scheduled for December 2018 on a Kell Brook undercard in Sheffield, both fighters have since gone their separate ways, Avanesyan recording 3 KO victories whilst Kelly received the first glitch on his record, succumbing to a draw against Ray Robinson over in New York.
Whilst the boxing public have been given much longer than usual to breakdown and predict a fight, the contest is still seen as a genuine 50/50 by many despite the amount of time has past since the contest was first announced.
Adding a layer of importance to the bout, Avanesyan is putting his European Welterweight title on the line as well as his chance of fighting for a world title in the next year or so, putting his world ranking at stake in the meantime against the undefeated Kelly.
For a full preview of this fight, please check out our full preview
David Avanesyan vs Josh Kelly prediction video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL19O0RqMWg
Florian Marku vs Rylan Charlton
The 2nd welterweight contest of the evening as well as the 2nd genuine 50/50 of the night rightfully, takes place as chief support while undefeated fighters Florian Marku & Rylan Charlton go to war over 10 rounds.
Charlton who 18 months ago was had mostly come up against fighters with losing records until a few months ago, stopped undefeated prospect Joe Laws in brutal fashion inside 3 rounds back in October of last year.
Marku on the other hand has gained a lot of attention due to his booming Albanian support, as well as fighting on TV twice in the space of a month towards the end of 2020. However, despite gaining some momentum, Marku controversially received a draw in his last fight, against novice Jamie Stewart who had only recorded 2 pro fights before meeting Marku.
For a full preview of this fight, please check out our full preview
Marku vs Charlton prediction video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK8uHlr2w-Y
Robbie Davies Jnr vs Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela
Announced at short notice to the public, Robbie Davies Jnr & Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela will face off for a scheduled 10 rounds for the IBF Inter-Continental Super Lightweight Title.
Valenzuela who holds a decent KO percentage (59%) will be looking to repeat the efforts of his countryman Mauricio Lara who shocked the boxing world last weekend, defeating Josh Warrington via 9th round stoppage.
Holding a record of 22-2-1, ‘Nina’ hasn’t lost a fight in almost 4 years with both of his career losses coming to undefeated fighters. Having not fought outside of Mexico during his 25 fight career, Valenzuela will come up against a game Davies Jnr who will be looking forward to making his first appearance in a boxing ring in almost 12 months.
The Liverpudlian who turns 32 this year is at an important part of his career and has the potential to either gain a world ranking in this fight or face off against other domestic fighters in a division sprawling with talent.
Jordan Gill vs Cesar Juarez
Returning after an impressive outing against Reece Belotti at Fight Camp last Summer, featherweight Jordan Gill comes up against experienced Mexican Cesar Juarez who holds a record of 25 wins and one loss.
Juarez who’s career spans almost 11 years has faced former world champions in the past including the legendary Nonito Donaire who he went the distance with back in 2015. Juarez who has stopped 19 of the 25 opponents that he’s beaten will be looking to bounce back against Gill who will be relishing one of his toughest opponents yet.
Johnny Fisher vs Matt Gordon
Making his professional debut, one of Matchroom’s newest signings ‘The Romford Bull’ i.e. Johnny Fisher makes his debut on Saturday night against Matt Gordon who went up against fellow prospect David Adeleye last year.
Currently being trained by Mark Tibbs and part of Sam Jones’ S-JAM Boxing, the 6ft5 heavyweight will be looking to impress on his TV debut despite there being no fans in attendance.
ESBR interviewed Johnny shortly after he turned professional last year - https://www.esbrboxing.com/post/exciting-fights-knockouts-and-big-crowds-matchroom-s-newest-recruit-johnny-fisher-speaks-out