Super bantamweight Azat "Crazy A" Hovhannisyan (17-3, 14 KOs) will headline tonight's (Sept. 5th) Golden Boy show against Franklin Manzanilla (18-5, 17 KOs) in a twelve-round contest at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. The event will be streamed live on RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.  Both men have fought the same person in failed title challenges, and now they'll see who among them is worthy of another title shot. Hovhannisyan is a 31-year-old slugger who has developed into an exciting performer. After victories against the likes of Ronny Rios and Sergio "El Frio Finito" Frias, the native of Yerevan, Armenia earned a world title opportunity against Rey Vargas in May 2018. Hovhannisyan was unsuccessful but is now coming off three straight knockout victories.

 

"I feel I have a big responsibility by being the main event," said Azat Hovhannisyan. "I feel I have to put on an even better show now. Manzanilla is strong, but his boxing abilities aren't strong. On Sept. 5th, there will be a knockout."

 

Despite a rough start to his professional career, Manzanilla exploded onto the scene at 122 pounds with a stunning upset victory against Julio Cesar "Pollito" Ceja in May of last year. That victory earned the Venezuelan contender a shot at Rey Vargas for the WBC 122-pound ttle in February of this year. The 31-year-old boxer delivered a strong performance and even dropped Vargas early in the fight before losing. 

 

"Without a doubt I left a great impression in my United States debut against world champion Rey Vargas," said Franklin Manzanilla. "Now they have offered the opportunity to fight Azat Hovhannisyan, who is a strong fighter that is highly recognized in the sport. However, I promise that I will walk away with my hand raised in victory to show that I am a solid contender for a world championship."