David Avanesyan vs. Shane Mosley: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info
"Sugar" Shane Mosley's (49-9-1, 41 KOs) spot in the Boxing Hall of Fame is already cemented, but the 44-year-old remains active. On Saturday at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona, Mosley will challenge WBA interim welterweight champion David Avanesyan (21-1-1, 11 KOs) for his title.
Here's the viewing information for the bout:
When: Saturday, May 28 at 10:30 p.m. ET
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Where: Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona
TV: CBS Sports Net
Live Stream: CBSSports.com
What's on the Line?
The stakes are high in this bout, as the winner will become the mandatory challenger for the WBA regular title. On June 25, titleholder Keith Thurman will defend his belt against Shawn Porter in a much-anticipated bout.
The winner of Mosley-Avanesyan will be Porter's opponent in his first defense of the title, or Thurman's foe in his next attempt to retain the belt.
Currently, the organization has an interim, regular and super champion, and the WBA has recently made strides toward recognizing one individual champion per weight class. Mandating the winners of these two fights face each other is in line with that theme.
If Mosley and Porter both win, it could create a problem. The two men have known each other for years, and Mosley doesn't seem keen on facing Porter.
Per Box Nation, the future Hall of Famer said this during the pre-fight media day festivities on Monday: “I’m not looking to fight him, he’s like my little brother. I can’t see myself fighting him unless they give us $10 million apiece!”
That payday isn't realistic, so Mosley could vacate the interim belt if he and Porter win their fights. In any case, the WBA would still consolidate the lesser titles to crown the winner as the only 147-pound champion in the organization.
Last Time Out
Avanesyan Blows Past Navarro
Avanesyan won the interim title in his last bout. He stopped Charlie Navarro in the ninth round in November 2015, and it was his eighth consecutive victory.
The 27-year-old from Pyatigorsk, Russia, has never faced an opponent with the experience and notoriety that Mosley will bring into the ring, but facing a man 17 years his senior could benefit the champion. Apparently, oddsmakers like Avanesyan's chances to win.
According to OddsShark.com, every listed outlet has Avanesyan as the favorite to retain his title.
Mosley Stops Lopez Late
Back in December 2015, Mosley scored a 10th-round TKO victory over Patrick Lopez in Panama. It was Mosley's second victory in a row. He dropped Lopez in the second round before the fight was stopped in its final frame.
No one would mistake the 44-year-old version of Mosley for the one that won four world titles from 135 pounds to 147, but he's still got enough in the tank to be competitive against mid-tier fighters.
The question is: Does Avanesyan fall into that category?
Prediction
Mosley stays in excellent shape, but when he was in his prime, his best attribute was his speed. At 44, he doesn't have the swift hands or reflexes to slip punches as well as he once did.
Avanesyan's defense isn't stellar. He comes in recklessly at times, but his hands are quicker than Mosley's, and he's a good puncher. Avanesyan also switches from orthodox to southpaw mid-round.
Combining the variety of looks he can give Mosley with his speed advantage, Avanesyan should retain his title via unanimous decision and keep himself in line to face the winner of Thurman vs. Porter.
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