Josh Kelly returns to the ring for his long-awaited fight with David Avanesyan for the European welterweight title at Wembley Arena.
Following last week’s stunning upset of Josh Warrington by Mauricio Lara, Matchroom are back at the same London venue for the Briton’s big step up in class against the Russian, though there is plenty of intrigue on the undercard too. Both fighters made weight comfortably and looked impressive on the scales, with this fight previously stated for 2018 and subsequently postponed twice over the last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Kelly has been bullish in the build-up to the fight, insisting the delay has boosted his hopes of dethroning Avanesyan when describing his “premonition”.
Kelly maintains all signs point towards a breakout performance and victory against the man who has two big wins over Kerman Lejarraga and experience in defeat with top-level fighters Lamont Peterson and Egidijus Kavaliauskas: “I’ve stepped up to levels that I couldn’t even imagine I could do in the gym. I thought last time I was ready, but Covid came and it got cancelled. I was nowhere near ready compared to what I am now. All I need to do is go and put a show on on Saturday. I believe that I’m a big Welterweight, and I’m strong. I’m a very strong Welterweight.”
Follow live round-by-round updates from the main event, plus undercard results and build-up throughout the evening
READ MORE: Josh Kelly vows to hit ‘new level’ in acid test against David Avanesyan
READ MORE: How to watch Josh Kelly vs David Avanesyan online and on TV
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Fisher TKO1 Gordon
Big shots raining in from Fisher, with Gordon kept up by the ropes.
He doesn’t last much longer either, Fisher piling on the pressure, a chopping right does the damage initially.
Then a right hook sends Gordon sprawling and down to the canvas, a standing count follows after he rises, but it’s a knockout on debut for Fisher. Job done.
Fisher vs Gordon
Fisher showing some hand speed early on, moving well and attempting to land the straight right down the pipe.
Fisher vs Gordon up next
Matt Gordon is the first test for Johnny Fisher here, it’s a heavyweight contest up next.
Fisher with some tremendous backing and works with top class heavyweights in the gym, but a limited amateur background means not a lot is known about him here.
Gill: Juarez delivered most pressure of my career
“I knew he would come on strong, we worked on the inside game, sometimes it was messy,” says Gill.
“Most certainly, he was so tough, he asked a lot of questions of me. I’m pleased to get the win and move on to bigger things.”
GILL UD JUAREZ
Gill gets the nod with the judges over Juarez, taking it 98-92, 98-93 and 96-94.
A great outing, with a lot learned from the relentless Mexican.
GILL VS JUAREZ
Juarez with a clubbing left catches Gill on the ropes in the ninth.
He has put in a gutsy effort here, but Gill is too classy, not allowing the pressure to affect him.
GILL VS JUAREZ
Gill on the back foot here but happy to pick off Juarez, who is charging forward.
Gill measuring the jab and spinning his Mexican opponent, now wrapping him up a little, this is a crazy pace.
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