David Avanesyan is keen to fight Josh Taylor and is willing to face the former undisputed super lightweight champion in Scotland, his manager Neil Marsh has revealed.
Avanesyan is ranked at four with the WBC at welterweight just behind Taylor who is rated at three, in the race to face world champion, Terence Crawford.
It remains unclear whether ‘The Tartan Tornado’, who lost his WBO super lightweight crown to Teofimo Lopez in June, will remain at the weight or move up to 147lbs.
Nevertheless, Avanesyan is willing to challenge the 33-year-old in his backyard if the opportunity arises.
“We are very grateful to the WBC for respecting David’s ability,” Marsh told proboxing-fans.com.
“Hopefully we would love an eliminator or something.
“Why not Josh Taylor or something?
“He is highly ranked, but as always David will take any challenger on as long as it’s right.”
The 35-year-old built up a fearsome reputation as a knockout artist after successive victories over Kerman Lejarraga to take the European strap before, dispatching of Josh Kelly in six rounds in 2021.
Avanesyan earned a dream shot at Crawford last December, halted by the superb American in six rounds.
The former European champion bounced back from defeat with a fourth round retirement win over Serge Ambomo in December and despite a career-long stint at welterweight, he is open to a move up to super welterweight, according to Marsh.
Taylor though is in discussions to secure a long-awaited rematch with Jack Catterall, almost two years removed from his controversial split decision win over the Chorley man.
“Hopefully, that’s the one we’re trying to get done,” Taylor told BBC Scotland.
“I just want to shut a lot of people up and put that bad performance [against Catterall] to bed, and put that doubt to bed.
“They did put in an offer but my promoters didn’t put it to me. They said ‘we’ve had an offer and said no’. They told me it was just about an 80% pay cut.
“They came back with another offer which was essentially the same offer but taking away the American rights. Which means they were giving me the same money but my promoter would have to put in the rest of the money for their show.
“I just want to fight. And Eddie Hearn is in interviews saying it’s a big fight, a huge fight. So it’s like you’ve got to be realistic about what you’re going to pay the fighters.
“I’m waiting for all that to be sorted out. I really want to get that one done first and see what’s happening with fights further down the line.”
