Chris Avila is not done with boxing. Following a one-sided match and strong victory over Jeremy Stephens, Avila is already preparing for his next match. The accomplished fighter recently challenged Anthony Pettis to a showdown. And while Pettis has yet to announce any plans to return to MMA or fight in boxing next, Avila is convinced that this would be a big match. Here is a closer look at the challenge and what it might mean for both fighters.
Recent Matches
Earlier this month, Avila was interviewed by Ariel Helwani, during which he said that he had called out Pettis. He then clarified to say that he did not call him out but rather, “…I mentioned his name.” Whatever he would like to call it, Avila has said that Pettis “… is someone I would like to fight next,” probably before the end of the year.
This comes on the heels of the Jake Paul Vs. Nate Diaz undercard fight between Avila and Jeremy Stephens. In the buildup to the game, major sportsbooks like Promotion Nigeria put the betting odds in Avila’s favor but Stephens expected to be a formidable opponent.
Pundits noted Avila’s lack of success in MMA and Stephen’s slightly better UFC record. General consensus, however, maintained that Avila had exhibited a better performance in boxing, only suffering one setback in 2014. The match, however, proved very one-sided, with Avila winning without seeming to break more than a little side. The win was one in a string of four Avila has enjoyed since he fully transitioned to boxing.
Meanwhile, veteran fighter and former UFC champion Anthony Pettis last fought in April against Roy Jones Jr. Pettis outmatched the boxing legend to win the fight and, like Avila, made it look easy. This was his fighting debut following a 1-4 stint in the PFL. Avila mentioned the fight in his challenge, saying, “He just came off a boxing fight with Roy Jones Jr…He’s getting into boxing.” Moreover, Avila seems to have nothing but respect for Pettis, calling him a “vet” and a “[expletive] OG.”
“A Fun Fight”
Pettis was present in the audience during the Saturday night fight between Avila and Stephens. Upon seeing Pettis, Avila issued the challenge after the fight, saying he believed it would be a great matchup. Entertainment-wise, Avila also believes that the fight would be “fun.” He has said, “I think that would be a big fight. I think that would be an entertaining fight…” Avila also believes the fight would be a great platform for him to showcase his skills and represent Real Fight Inc.
The Stakes
Avila is currently being promoted by Real Fight Inc., while Pettis just started promoting his own events. This combination makes the matchup a high-stakes fight that boxing and MMA fans would flock to see. Pundits have argued that Avila could raise his stock as a boxer by taking on more experienced fighters, but Avila fails to see the point. He maintains a commitment to fighting matches people would like to watch. True to form, Avila has urged, “Let’s get down in Vegas, and let’s do it before the year ends.”
Avila’s MMA Future
Put into perspective, it is safe to say that Avila will remain in boxing for the foreseeable future. In his own words, “I’m going to keep smoking people in boxing…I’m not going to stop boxing.” However, he has not ruled out returning to MMA, “I’m going to keep boxing, and eventually, when it’s time, I’m going to get back in the cage.”
Wrapping Up
Avila seems to have settled into boxing nicely, and it is amazing to see all the fights he has been winning, including against Paul Bamba, Anthony Taylor, Stephens, and YouTube celebrity Dr. Mike Varshavski. Should Pettis accept his challenge, the world of boxing is set for an exciting night.
Follow our socials Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google News.
