Chris Avila has pulled off an upset…
In a somewhat surprising result to many viewers, the Latino boxer (6-1) defeated former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis (1-1) via unanimous decision (58-56, 59-55, 59-55) in a six-round 175-pound affair on the main card of the Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal-headlined boxing event.
Avila utilized a high-volume attack, much similar to a Diaz, as pointed out by commentator Sean O’Malley on the broadcast.
There were arm-punches galore, as Avila successfully implemented his unusual but effective approach.
Pettis hung in with Avila, but was unable to score much significant offense if any. Avila halted him on a multiple occasions with hooks that visibly threw Pettis out of rhythm.
The win for Avila was his sixth in a row since he lost his professional boxing debut in 2014.
Avila also holds boxing wins over MMA notables Jeremy Stephens and Anthony Taylor.
Pettis has fought all over the combat sports world since his UFC departure in 2020.
He remains under contract with PFL but also has competed in boxing and for Karate Combat.
