Newark trainer Carl Greaves backs Russian welterweight David Avanesyan to pull off major upset in IBF world title fight against Jaron Ennis in Philadelphia

Boxing trainer Carl Greaves is planning on playing his part in a ‘major upset’ as he hopes to bring another title to his stable.

Russian welterweight David Avanesyan (30-1) has spent the past month in his second home of Newark working with Greaves ahead of Saturday’s IBF World title fight with American Jaron Ennis in Philadelphia.

And despitre taking the bout at short notice, there is plenty of confidence in the Nottinghamshire camp.

“We didn’t have much notice for this, just four-and-a-half weeks,” Greaves said.

“A lot of fighters would run a mile at four-and-a-half weeks notice for an IBF world title fight. But David will fight any man anywhere, any place, which he has proven over the years.

“Going to Philadelphia, Jaron Ennis’ back yard, is daunting for most people. But David’s been there and done that many times,. Nothing fazes him.

“We’re looking forward to it and we’re under no illusions it’s a massive task ahead of us, but David’s a very good fighter himself.

“On his night he can beat anyone in the world, so if it all comes together there’s no reason he can’t cause a major upset.

“Ennis is touted as the biggest prospect in the world, so it’s massive for little Carl Greaves from Newark to be going over there to try to help another fighter get another title.”

Fearless Avanesyan has gone toe-to-toe with the likes of Terence Crawford and Shane Mosley during his nine-year relationship with Greaves, which the trainer says has been hugely beneficial for both parties.

“There’s been some unbelievable fights and the journey’s still going and the story’s there to tell,” he added.

“There are the fights you dream of as a kid. This is the elite level. You’ll get no bigger.

“So for a trainer from a small town like Newark, it’s what dreams are made of to have these opportunities. I can’t tell you how proud I am to be in this position.

“We have a unique relationship, we’ve been together nine years and we’ve been all over the world - it’s moments like this that you’re in boxing for.”

Avanesyan and Greaves are used to 10-week training camps to get sharp for a bout, but despite having less than half that period together for the tough test of Ennis (31-0) at the Wells Fargo Center the Russian is still looking good to go.

“David is in great form,” Greaves added.

“He’s come over and been here a few weeks now.

“He works with me on the sparring and technical work and we’ve had some brilliant sparring. He’s always in great shape when he comes to me but we’re sharpening him up.”