Crawford vs Avanesyan: Bud Makes Home Defence
Pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford will return home to Omaha to make the sixth defence of his WBO welterweight title against latest challenger David Avanesyan this weekend.
It looked as if fans were finally set to witness the anticipated undisputed showdown between Crawford and his rival Errol Spence Jr. this year but both men have went in different directions, for now.
‘Bud’ will defend his welterweight crown against Avanesyan on home soil, while Spence Jr. is expected to face off with Keith Thurman next instead.
Despite their heated online exchanges and stuttering negotiations, Crawford and Spence could still collide early in 2023 for one of the biggest fights that can be made in boxing today.
First, Crawford welcomes the challenge of Avanesyan to his home city. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the opening bell in Nebraska.
CRAWFORD vs AVANESYAN FIGHT DETAILS
Fight: Terence Crawford vs David Avanesyan
Titles: WBO welterweight title
Date: Saturday, December 10th
Main Event Time: Approx. 4AM BST
Live On: BLK Prime PPV
PPV Price: £33.45
Location: CHI Health Center, Omaha, Nebraska
Undercard:
Cris Cyborg vs. Gabby Holloway
Steven Nelson vs. James Ballard
Arnold Khegai vs. Eduardo Baez
CRAWFORD vs AVANESYAN FIGHT PREVIEW
After becoming the first fighter to ever stop Shawn Porter last time out in November last year, Crawford became a free agent promotionally.
This allowed him to pursue the awaited Spence showdown but talks eventually stalled before he signed to take on Avanesyan live on BLK Prime PPV.
The defending champion is on a destructive nine-fight knockout streak, stretching back to 2016, including stoppage successes over Amir Khan, Kell Brook and the aforementioned Porter.
A three-weight world champion, including a former undisputed reign at light-welterweight, ‘Bud’ is arguably the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport and he’s looking to show exactly why in front of his home supporters again.
The last time he took to the ring on home territory was in a dramatic 12th-round KO victory over Jose Benavidez Jr, during his ongoing four-year reign as welterweight champion.
For challenger, Avanesyan, this fight represents a huge step up in class but one that could propel him to prominence in the division with an upset win or admirable away display.
The 34-year-old Russian is enjoying a six-bout winning run, which includes high-profile KO victories over former European champion Kerman Lejarraga (twice) and English star Josh Kelly.
His only defeats have come at world level to former world champion Lamont Peterson and previous Crawford opponent Egidijus Kavaliauskas.
But Avanesyan next faces his toughest test to date against an unbeaten Crawford, who’s now 38-0 with 29 KOs and aiming to make an emphatic statement to close out the year on his latest homecoming.
Header image: BLK Prime Boxing