Trainer Carl Greaves says David Avanesyan's confidence is sky high for European title defence as Liam Taylor date looms

David Avanesyan has returned to Newark ahead of his latest European title defence.

The Russian-born welterweight, who fights out of Newark under trainer Carl Greaves, will make his fourth title defence on Saturday, October 2.

Standing in his way is 30-year-old Liam Taylor (22-1-1, 11 KO) who comes into the bout following a knock-out win over Tommy Broadbent in July.

Greaves, who has been putting Avanesyan through his paces for more than two weeks at the time of print, said: “Liam is a good fighter, his record is top drawer and he has reversed his only defeat (avenging his 2015 loss to Tyrone Nurse three years later in 2018).

“Liam’s only defeat was six years ago, so we know he will be confident and up for it.

“But, I can’t lie, David is flying at the moment. He has gone up at least another 20% since the Josh Kelly victory.

“His confidence is sky high after that victory. He is looking fitter and stronger and his sparring has been good so far.

“At this point in time everything is in place and everything is going well for David — he is on another level and, as his trainer, it is great to see.”

Avanesyan (27-3-1, 15 KO) has been in untouchable form since his title defeat to Egidijus Kavaliauskas.

His turn in form started with the dismissal of the then-unbeaten Kerman Lejarraga while down on the cards to claim the EBU European Welter Title, before winning inside the first round in the rematch.

Another first-round finish against Spaniard Jose del Rio followed in his second defence.

Then came the long-awaited grudge match with Sunderland’s Josh Kelly as Avanesyan showed his experience and knowhow to win in the sixth round.

Greaves said like the Kelly fight, the duo had analysed their opponent to get the upper hand.

“We didn’t have as much time,” Greaves said. “But you know what you are getting with Liam — he isn’t flash.

“He is an easy fighter to work out style-wise whereas Kelly was more flashy and unpredictable, but we have a good idea as to what Liam is about.

“People have said it is a routine defence for David and things like that, but you can’t take any fighter for granted, especially at this level.

“David is too experienced and long in the tooth to even fall into that mindset so we are confident and we are looking forward to it.”