Josh Kelly feels he can “nullify” Carlos Molina when the two welterweights collide for the WBA International title at the Principality Stadium on Saturday night.
The Sunderland star came face to face with Molina for the first time today at the pre-fight media conference in Cardiff, captured above by photographer, Lawrence Lustig.
They will meet again at the weigh-in on Friday and then, for real, in their working clobber on Saturday night for the vacant World Boxing Association belt.
“I want to put in a good performance and prove the young talent from Britain can step up, get these titles and move on and move on fast as well,” said a relaxed Kelly as he faced the press.
“We can’t wait, we’ve prepared diligently, it’s time to capitalise on that and I feel very, very confident.
“Carlos has a good résumé and comes with a good background.
“I’ve watched Carlos in his prime and I feel I can nullify his good things and capitalise on his weaknesses.
“I think it will be a good fight on a good card.”
Kelly has won all five of his professional dates and to be fighting for a junior WBA strap in just his sixth contest is quite unique.
On the flip side, Molina is on the final lap of his race, boxing 38 times, including five title bouts, the pick of the crop being his IBF world light-middleweight title victory over American Ishé Smith.
The 34-year-old, who has 28 wins and two draws, cut a confident and relaxed figure at the press conference, sporting a green Mexico shirt, as did Kelly, resplendent all in black,.
Words: Roy Kelly Pictures: Lawrence Lustig
