Event: Night of Champions XI
Date: Friday, July 18, 2025
Venue: Caribe Royale Resort, Orlando, Florida
Weight Class: Heavyweight (Unlimited)
Rounds: Scheduled for 10 rounds
Title on the Line: WBA Continental North America Heavyweight Title
Broadcast: DAZN (Global)
Fighter Comparison
| Attribute | Gurgen Hovhannisyan | Chris Thomas |
| Record | 8-0-0 (7 KOs) | 15-1-2 (10 KOs) |
| Age | 27 | 37 |
| Height | 6’7″ (201 cm) | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Weight (Last Bout) | 297 lbs | 225 lbs |
| Reach | 81″ (206 cm) | N/A |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Trainer | Joe Goossen | N/A |
| Nationality | Armenia (based in LA) | USA (Beachwood, NJ) |
Storylines & Stakes
Hovhannisyan’s Rise: The Armenian-born powerhouse is undefeated and coming off a dominant fifth-round KO of Dajuan Calloway. With 88% of his wins by knockout, he’s looking to claim his first regional title and break into the WBA rankings.
Thomas’ Redemption: After a five-year layoff, Thomas returned in February with a draw against Dominique Mayfield. Though not a natural heavyweight, he’s rugged and experienced, with 60 pro rounds under his belt.
Size Matters: Hovhannisyan will enter with a massive 8-inch height and 70+ lb weight advantage. His jab and reach could be decisive against the shorter, stockier Thomas.
Tactical Breakdown
Gurgen Hovhannisyan
Strengths:
Devastating power and reach
High ring IQ from elite amateur background
Trained by Hall of Famer Joe Goossen
Concerns:
Limited pro experience (31 rounds)
Yet to face a ranked opponent
Chris Thomas
Strengths:
Durable and battle-tested
Can fight inside and absorb punishment
Concerns:
Ring rust and age
Undersized for the division
FIGHT ODDS
Gurgen Hovhannisyan – 1200
Chris Thomas + 700
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, July 17, 2025
