DiBella Aims To Bring Kerman Lejarraga To U.S. For Next Fight
Welterweight contender Kerman "The Revolver" Lejarraga (27-0, 22 KOs) returns to the ring tomorrow, March 30, battling former world champion David Avanesyan (23-3-1, 11 KOs), of Tabynskoe, Russia, in front of an expected massive crowd at the Bilbao Arena in Bilbao, Spain.
The 12-round clash with Lejarraga defending his EBU European Welterweight Title is promoted by MGZ Promotions, who co-promotes Lejarraga with DiBella Entertainment.
A huge star in Spain, the 27-year-old Lejarraga is currently world ranked #2 by the WBC, #3 by the IBF, and #5 by the WBA and WBO. The heavy-handed star scored three knockouts in 2018. Most recently, he stopped longtime contender Frankie Gavin in the fourth round on November 17, 2018.
Lejarraga will be facing his toughest opponent in Avanesyan, with the Russian holding victories against "Sugar" Shane Mosley, for the interim WBA Welterweight World Title, and Kaizer Mabuza. Additionally, he has recently battled former world champion Lamont Peterson and top contender Egidijus Kavaliauskas in very close fights.
"This is the biggest fight of my career and I feel great," said Lejarraga. "I've had a long, hard training camp and have left nothing to chance after more than 150 rounds of sparring. It has been the best training camp of my career."
"Kerman looks faster and sharper than he ever has," stated Inigo Herbosa, of MGZ Promotions. "He sparred with some top-15 world ranked boxers for this fight and did very well. He will make a statement knocking out Avanesyan inside of six rounds and all of the top fighters in the welterweight division will take notice. He is ready for the big names."
"Avanesyan is another huge test for Kerman at what will be a sold-out arena in Spain, where Lejarraga is a massive star," said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. "Following a win on Saturday night, I want to bring him to the United States for a step-up fight against a known opponent, and then position him for a world title shot in late 2019 or early 2020. I fully believe that he can beat many of the top names in the deep and talented welterweight division."
