Kelly vs Avanesyan: David Avanesyan's team vent anger at Josh Kelly and Adam Booth

"We can go back and forth all day, but the main thing is we're fighting on 28th and we're stepping in the ring" - Josh Kelly

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David Avanesyan faces Josh Kelly at The O2 on March 28, live on Sky Sports

David Avanesyan's team angrily questioned whether Josh Kelly would 'turn up' for their European title fight as tempers flared at their first press conference.

The unbeaten 25-year-old was forced to withdraw from a scheduled fight with Avanesyan due to illness in December 2018, but the welterweight duo will instead battle for the European belt on March 28, live on Sky Sports, with Joshua Buatsi and Conor Benn on the same O2 bill.

Avanesyan's manager Neil Marsh was quick to voice his frustration about the postponement and raised fresh doubts about Kelly's willingness to face the big-hitting Russian, which were dismissed by the Sunderland man.

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Avanesyan defends European title against Kelly

"Listen, I will respect Josh Kelly when he gets in the ring with David Avanesyan," said Marsh, who offered a Valentine's Day rose to Kelly's trainer Adam Booth.

"I am concerned that they won't turn up. Like if I was managing Josh Kelly, I wouldn't be taking Avanesyan.

"I'm not talking [about a] 38, 39-year-old boxer, who's had his best days. You're talking [about] a kid who is in the best form of his life, who is hungry, whose total desire is to provide for his family, and that will be with beating Josh Kelly.

"I have got absolutely no doubt that Avanesyan knocks Josh Kelly out.

"It will be a difficult fight for five, six rounds. He's a fantastic amateur, he'll be moving a lot, he's got a lot of speed, but David is going to get to him."

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As Neil says, it's too early for me. I've got all this stacked up against us. I'm the underdog, I enjoy being the underdog.Josh Kelly

Kelly admits he is taking a major risk against the European champion, who has knocked out three fighters since the original fight date.

"We can go back and forth all day, but the main thing is we're fighting on 28th and we're stepping in the ring," said Kelly. "That's what it comes down to.

"As Neil says, it's too early for me. I've got all this stacked up against us. I'm the underdog, I enjoy being the underdog."

Asked whether the fight will go ahead, Kelly quickly replied: "I'll be there."