We present to you the second part of our interview with David Avanesyan ahead of his fight with Jaron Ennis. On the night of July 13 to 14, David Avanesyan will battle for the IBF welterweight title against the reigning champion Jaron Ennis.
On July 13 in Philadelphia, the reigning IBF welterweight world champion Jaron Ennis will defend his title against David Avanesyan.
Before this very important fight, we spoke with David Avanesyan. In an interview with Sportball24 correspondent Narek Khachatryan, the Armenian boxer talks about the appeal regarding Crawford's torn gloves, expressing doubts about the fairness of the outcome. He discusses the possibility of a rematch with Crawford, which is only possible if he wins against Ennis. David emphasizes the importance of a cautious approach to the fight with Ennis and the differences in professional boxing between England and Russia. He shares personal moments about family support, difficulties in obtaining a visa, and the possibility of holding a fight in Armenia. Avanesyan reflects on ending his career and future plans, including creating his own boxing school.
David Avanesyan's Interview
— David, I would like to ask a question regarding the appeal about Crawford's torn gloves. Did you and your team file an appeal? If so, what was the result?
— We filed an appeal, but we do not hope for a fair decision. My lawyer explained the situation in detail: a lot of money and time will be spent, but it will be fruitless. Very serious and influential people stand behind Crawford.
— Is a rematch with Crawford possible?
— At this stage, no. A rematch is only possible in case of a victory over Ennis. Crawford currently holds three championship belts and has moved into my weight category. If I win against Ennis and claim the IBF belt, Crawford will have to fight me.
— David, I think that for the fight with Ennis you need to be extremely careful and take into account all the nuances from the Crawford fight. Jaron is undefeated. He has a very good record. It is possible that the people behind him will resort to dirty methods.
— Ennis is currently ranked second among the best boxers after Crawford. Before the fight, we will take into account all the nuances to avoid repeating the mistakes of the previous fight.
— How did your promoter approach the issue with Crawford?
— Unfortunately, he could not be present at the moment of the fight. If he had been there, he would not have allowed Crawford's gloves to go unchecked.
— Is there a difference between England and Russia in terms of attitudes towards professional boxing?
— Yes, of course! I have something to compare with. I have trained in many places and can confidently say that the level of approach in England is much higher from a professional point of view.
— Were there any problems with obtaining a visa?
— I received the visa before the fight with Crawford for three years. I was very surprised by the amount they quoted. In the end, I spent $10,000 to obtain the visa.
— As far as I know, you have plans to hold a professional fight in your homeland, Armenia. Is there a chance that our compatriots will see your professional debut in Armenia?
— Recently, I spoke with a representative of professional boxing in Armenia. We are quite good friends. He proposed to hold a professional boxing tournament in December, where there will be an opportunity to fight. Again, a lot depends on the fight with Ennis.
— How do your loved ones react to your fights?
— My mother reacts very sharply and anxiously to each of my departures and fights. I try to tell her about my departure a few days before, rather than weeks. Her condition during this period has a significant impact on me psychologically.
— David, as far as I know, you traditionally visit your grandmother after each fight. Does she give you advice and blessings?
— Of course! She tells me: "Tsavet tanem", how much longer? You have two diplomas, go work! Why do you need boxing? I always understand my grandmother and mother, and the reasons for their worries.
— David, you are currently 35 years old. Have you decided at what age you plan to end your career?
— If no one reminds me of my age, I sometimes forget about it. Honestly, I don't know. I have thought a lot about this, especially when I am at home. After the fight with Crawford, I had a long break, and I thought maybe it's a sign, and it's time to finish. But after receiving the call and the offer to fight Jaron, this thought immediately left my head. Perhaps, if I feel bad and realize that I can no longer handle it physically, I will stop. Right now, thank God, I feel good and train a lot.
— Do you have any guesses about what could have been in Crawford's gloves?
— Many say that certain substances could have been injected into the gloves. The photos clearly show how both gloves tore. He went into the fight with already swollen gloves, apparently overdid it with the substance. They tore at the seams. There are many proofs and photos. Another surprising point was that he had Everlast gloves. Later, the company said it was their manufacturing defect. It's ridiculous!
— How did you feel Crawford's punches during the fight?
— I watched his fights and understood that he doesn't hit hard. In sparring, I stood with guys who hit much harder. During the fight, I felt not just punches, but hammer blows to the head.
— Could the fight with Crawford have a political nature?
— Initially, when they offered me the fight, I thought about it. But sitting and constantly thinking about it makes no sense. They offered me a fight, it was my chance, and we took it with the team. Although, at the time of the fight, I was introduced as a boxer representing Armenia. Probably, based on political considerations, they decided to do so.
— Many experts believed that you had no chance against Crawford. Did it affect you in any way?
— No, not at all! I can tell you that according to most judges, I was leading 3:2 in rounds before the knockout.
— David, after finishing your career, do you have thoughts about opening a David Avanesyan boxing school?
— Yes, of course! I have thought a lot about it. I dedicate a lot of time and effort to boxing. I would like to have my own boxing school. But I don't see myself as a coach. Yes, I can come and train the guys in my free time, but it should be a hobby for me. There is an idea to gather good coaches who will fully engage with the guys. I don't want to be maximally tied to the gym.
First part of the interview HERE.