Newark's Carl Greaves and Davidi Avanesyan get the taste for world title chase as Oskari Metz test looms

A world title shot remains the main focus for adopted Newarker David Avanesyan and his trainer Carl Greaves.

Russian-born Avanesyan, 33, faces the undefeated Finn Oskari Metz at Wembley Arena on Saturday, March 19, in what will be his fifth defence of the EBU European Welterweight Title.

Greaves, of Newark, said Avanesyan (28-3-1, 16 KOs) had returned to him in top condition and was well aware of the importance of victory next month.

“He is looking good, very good to tell you the truth,” said Greaves, who has built a strong alliance with Avanesyan during their seven-year relationship.

“He has that bit of confidence about him at the minute where it feels like he can’t be beaten.

“And a confident fighter is a dangerous fighter so we are really excited.”

Thirty-year-old Metz boasts a 100% record with 15 wins, five of which by knock-out.

“The plan is to deal with Metz and then the WBC should have ordered an opponent for the final eliminator to challenge Errol Spence for the world title.

“There’s no two ways about it, Metz is a massive fight.

“David is number two and [Vergil] Ortiz is number one, but he has gone a different route (WBO).

“It leaves number three Keith Thurman, who was the WBC world champion before he vacated.

“It is interesting, I have a feeling they might order Thurman — he might be there for a reason.”

Despite looking ahead, Greaves said the number one focus was a top performance in London on March 19.

“David’s beat Kerman Lejarraga twice,” said Greaves.

“He won the European title and then defended it.

“He then went and beat Jose del Rio in Barcelona.

“He then beat Josh Kelly, which was year ago on Sunday, and then Liam Taylor, so that’s five stoppages in a row.

“I am confident he does a number on this kid as well because he doesn’t underestimate anybody.

“He knows he has to be on his game no matter who he fights because one slip-up will cost him a world title fight.”

Avanesyan rejoined Greaves in Newark a fortnight ago and has ramped up his training programme with tough sparring sessions.

Greaves said the plan was to work on his fitness and speed work in the weeks leading up to the fight.

“We will start to move on to the track work soon and come away from the hill and road running,” he said.

“And then we are looking at his strength and conditioning work.

“We will get a bit sharper of the pads as we start to taper things down and change the final bits of our sessions.

“But I am pleased with where we are at right now.

“I can promise he will be on his game on the night — he will do the business.

“And then we can look at getting this world title situation sorted out.”

The European title defence will be Avanesyan’s first since his multi-fight deal with Queensberry Promotions.

“I am very happy to be fighting in front of my British fans at my favourite venue in Wembley where I had great nights in the past year,” said Avanesyan.

“I promise I am back with real determination to put a big show on before a big fight.

“I am fit, I am ready and Metz is a good fighter and unbeaten, but I will win and win in style.

“I look forward to my debut under Frank Warren, who I am grateful for getting me out on this show and look forward to performing for BT Sport and their fans.

“Enjoy the show — I am back.”