David Avanesyan


David Gavrushevich Avanesyan is a Russian professional boxer. He has held the European welterweight title since 2019 and previously the WBA welterweight title in 2017.

Early life

Avanesyan was born into an Armenian family in the Caucasus region of Pyatigorsk.

Professional career

Early career

Avanesyan made his professional debut on 12 June 2009, scoring a four-round unanimous decision against Vazgen Agadzhanyan, who also debuted. In his second fight a month later, on 11 July, Avanesyan lost a six-round UD to Andrey Klimov. He would then win twelve consecutive fights over the next four years, picking up the Russian welterweight title and two WBC regional titles along the way. Avanesyan's winning streak ended on 16 March 2013, following a split draw against Aslanbek Kozaev.

WBA interim welterweight champion

2015 and 2016 were banner years for Avanesyan. On 7 November 2015 he stopped Charlie Navarro in nine rounds to win the vacant WBA interim welterweight title.

Avanesyan vs. Mosley

The biggest win of Avanesyan's career took place on 28 May 2016, when he scored a clear UD against decorated former world champion Shane Mosley to retain his title, while also making his United States debut.

WBA (Regular) welterweight champion

On 15 July 2016, the WBA announced that Keith Thurman would have to make a mandatory defence against interim champion Avanesyan. Both camps had until 13 August to negotiate the fight or purse bids would be ordered by the WBA. Due to negotiations breaking down, the WBA elevated Avanesyan to Regular champion status and Thurman was named Super champion.

Avanesyan vs. Peterson

In December 2016, early reports suggested there was a fight in the works for Avanesyan to defend the WBA title against former light welterweight world champion Lamont Peterson. A venue in the US was being discussed for February 2017. On 11 January 2017, a spokesperson for Avanesyan announced the fight would take place on 18 February at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, as part of the undercard to Adrien Broner vs. Adrían Granados, aired by Showtime. Avanesyan failed to make a successful first defence of his title, losing a close UD to Peterson in fight which was described as "highly competitive and entertaining" by ESPN. Two judges scored it 116–112 and the third had it closer at 115–113, all in favor of Peterson. Avanesyan earned a purse of $75,000, while Peterson earned $250,000.

Avanesyan vs. Kelly

On February 20, 2021, Avanesyan fought Josh Kelly, who was ranked #15 by the IBF at welterweight. Avanesyan won the fight via sixth-round TKO.

Avanesyan vs. Taylor

In his next bout, Avanesyan fought and defeated Liam Taylor via second-round TKO.

Avanesyan vs. Ennis

Avanesyan unsuccessfully challenged Jaron Ennis for the IBF welterweight title at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, on July 13, 2024, losing when he retired on his stool at the end of round five.

Professional boxing record

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
37WinSadudee SrimueangTKO1, 29 Dec 2024Kathu Boxing Club, Kathu, Thailand
36Loss30–5–1Jaron EnnisRTD5, 3:0013 Jul 2024Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.For IBF welterweight title
35Win30–4–1Serge AmbomoRTD4, 20 Dec 2023
34Loss29–4–1Terence CrawfordKO6 , 2:1410 Dec 2022CHI Health Center Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.For WBO welterweight title
33Win29–3–1Oskari MetzTKO1 , 2:0019 Mar 2022The SSE Arena Wembley, London, EnglandRetained European welterweight title
32Win28–3–1Liam TaylorTKO2 , 2:182 Oct 2021The SSE Arena Wembley, London, EnglandRetained European welterweight title
31Win27–3–1Josh KellyTKO6, 2:1520 Feb 2021The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, EnglandRetained European welterweight title
30Win26–3–1Jose Del RioTKO1, 2:0612 Dec 2019Pavelló de la Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, SpainRetained European welterweight title
29Win25–3–1Kerman LejarragaTKO1, 2:2628 Sep 2019Bilbao Arena, Bilbao, SpainRetained European welterweight title
28Win24–3–1Kerman LejarragaTKO9, 2:2730 Mar 2019Bilbao Arena, Bilbao, SpainWon European welterweight title
27Loss23–3–1Egidijus KavaliauskasTKO6, 1:5516 Feb 2018Grand Sierra Resort Grand Theatre, Reno, Nevada, U.S.For WBC-NABF welterweight title
26Win23–2–1Serge AmbomoPTS89 Dec 2017Imperial Banqueting Suite, Bilston, England
25Loss22–2–1Lamont PetersonUD1218 Feb 2017Cintas Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USLost WBA welterweight title
24Win22–1–1Shane MosleyUD1228 May 2016Gila River Arena, Glendale, Arizona, USRetained WBA interim welterweight title
23Win21–1–1Charlie NavarroTKO9, 1:507 Nov 2015Salle des Etoiles, Monte Carlo, MonacoWon vacant WBA interim welterweight title
22Win20–1–1Dean ByrneTKO6, 0:4127 Jun 2015Hilton Hotel, Blackpool, England
21Win19–1–1Laszlo Fazekas107 Dec 2014Titanic Hotel, Liverpool, England
20Win18–1–1Ramon de la Cruz SenaUD1026 Sep 2014Basket-Hall, Krasnodar, RussiaRetained WBC Baltic welterweight title
19Win17–1–1Kaizer MabuzaUD1218 Apr 2014Basket-Hall, Krasnodar, RussiaRetained WBC Baltic welterweight title
18Win16–1–1Carlos HerreraKO2, 1:464 Nov 2013Basket-Hall, Krasnodar, RussiaWon vacant WBC Baltic welterweight title
17Win15–1–1Fariz Kazimov5, 3:0030 Aug 2013Laskovyy Bereg, Sukko, Russia
16Win14–1–1Bogdan ProtsyshynTKO3, 2:5915 May 2013Casino Conti Giant Hall, Saint Petersburg, Russia
15Draw13–1–1Aslanbek Kozaev1216 Mar 2013Sports Palace "Znamya", Noginsk, RussiaFor WBC Baltic and WBC–CISBB welterweight titles
14Win13–1Mykola KorenevTKO6, 1:5116 Feb 2013Trade and Entertainment Centre "Moskva", Kaspiysk, Russia
13Win12–1Roman SeliverstovUD1013 Oct 2012Galich Hall, Krasnodar, Russia
12Win11–1James OnyangoKO3, 0:4016 Mar 2012State Circus, Krasnodar, RussiaWon vacant WBC–ABCO welterweight title
11Win10–1Bogdan Bondarenko3, 0:2319 Nov 2011Express, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
10Win9–1Samuel KamauTKO3, 2:3030 Jul 2011Sport Centre, Kushchyovskaya, RussiaWon vacant WBC Youth Intercontinental interim welterweight title
9Win8–1Ruslan KhayrtdinovUD1028 May 2011Red Square, Moscow, RussiaRetained Russia welterweight title
8Win7–1Movsar KotievTKO2, 1:2826 Mar 2011Sport Centre, Kushchyovskaya, Russia
7Win6–1Lochinbek Husanov2 27 Nov 2010Express, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
6Win5–1Ivan KaberkonUD1024 Aug 2010Concert Hall "Russia", Pyatigorsk, RussiaWon vacant Russia welterweight title
5Win4–1Armen IsraelyanUD427 May 2010Central Sport Complex, Tyumen, Russia
4Win3–1Rustam ShidginovUD817 Mar 2010Versiya Night Club, Pyatigorsk, Russia
3Win2–1Dmytro LuganskyyUD621 Aug 2009Olymp, Gelendzhik, Russia
2Loss1–1Andrey KlimovUD611 Jul 2009Yunost Sports Complex, Podolsk, Russia
1Win1–0Vazgen Agadzhanyan412 Jun 2009State Circus, Sochi, Russia