David Avanesyan retains EBU Welter Title in first, LeJarraga Had Trouble Making Weight
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Bilbao, Spain (October 1st, 2019)– Former World Boxing association world Welterweight champion David Avanesyan retained his EBU European Welterweight title in spectacular fashion, dropping weakened ex-champion Kermit LeJarraga twice in the first round of a rematch before the referee stopped it in the main event at Bilbao arena, Bilbao, Spain, on Friday, September 28, 2019.
Avanesyan, 25-3-1 with 13 knockouts, Newark, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, previously won this title at Bilbao arena on March 30, 2019, stopping the then 27-0 LeJarraga in the ninth round, while trailing on all three scorecards. LeJarraga, 28-2 with 23 knockouts, Bilbao, Pais Vasco, Spain. It took LeJarraga four hours to make the 147 pounds weight the day of the fight. His energy depleted, LeJarraga would have been better off fighting the rematch overweight instead. LeJarraga will now be moving up to the 154 pounds junior middleweight weight class.
According to LeJarraga’s trainer, Txutzi del Valle, “Kerman was very tired, so it was better for the referee (Anssi Perajoki) to stop the fight early, because it could have been more serious (for LeJarraga if the bout had been allowed to continue). Kerman was very weak. On Friday, it took him four hours to make weight, (which) was noticed in the fight. Kerman was not really touched (giving a good accounting of himself wanting to continue at) the moment you yell at (protest to) the referee (for stopping the bout prematurely). You could see Kerman was not well (due to his sudden extreme weight loss immediately before the fight). I believe he will be European champion again, but in another (higher weight class) division (not welterweight).”
Reviewing the fight footage, Avanesyan knew LeJarraga well enough, and was able to read the weight loss effect on LeJarraga’s face, LeJarraga lacked his usual confidence and intensity. Avanesyan had power, and LeJarraga, sloppy and sluggish in his weakened state, could not move well, and could not stand up to Avanesyan’s pinpoint power shots. LeJarraga could have continued, but referee Anssi Perajoki of Finland had seen enough.
Result: David Avanesyan TKO 1 Kermit LeJarraga, Welterweights (2:26)
Avanesyan retains EBU European Welterweight title. Referee: Anssi Perajoki
Kermit LeJarraga down twice in the first round. Stopped standing. Referee’s privilege.