David Avanesyan is 'ready' for another world title fight after victory over Oskari Metz

It took just two minutes for the Armenian-born Russian, emerging in front of a European flag and billed as coming from Yerevan - Armenia’s capital - for him to stop his Finnish challenger.

The Russian is highly ranked by three governing bodies, but the WBA have suspended his ranking as a result of the invasion of Ukraine by his home country. However, Avenesyan resides in Nottingham, England. Fighting under a Serbian licence, he is unaffected by sanctions and restrictions aimed at Russian and Belarussian fighters.

Metz came into the fight with an unbeaten record over 15 fights, but was out of his depth against his experienced rival, a former WBA champion at 147lbs.

A succession of hooks and a combination left Metz struggling, and the referee had to intervene with a standing count before calling the fight in the champion’s favour.

Speaking after his fifth successful fight, he said: "I am feeling happy, I have not seen my family for six weeks I worked hard and keep my belt. Hopefully after a month my manager and promoter phone me and say I have a world title fight. I am ready."