Josh Kelly is not just a pretty face.
You will not find a deeper thinker in the game than this talented welterweight. Certainly not those who ply their trade inside the ropes.
And the 24-year-old says he is relishing solving the “puzzle” that is Kris George when he challenges for the Commonwealth title in Newcastle on Saturday, June 16.
Kelly, the recent winner of the WBA International welterweight title, is looking to add the Commonwealth belt to his collection in only his seventh professional appearance.
However, George is not travelling 10,000 miles just to hand over his prized possession at the Metro Radio Arena.
The 28-year-old, who has lost just once in his career, is making his second defence of the 10st 7lb strap, having seen off fellow Aussies Jack Brubaker last October after beating Queensland ‘neighbour’ Cameron ‘The Hammer’ Hammond to win the vacant crown in November 2016.
“It’s a massive night for boxing in the North East and it’s a big step up to fight for the Commonwealth title in my seventh fight,” said Kelly.
“It’s another puzzle for me to solve, I like to look at fights like they are problems to work out and I feel that I’ll do it in good fashion.
“I’ve seen videos and clips of Kris in action, I like to study them.
“He’s quite raw and as an Australian he’s going to be tough and a proud champion, he’s a worthy title holder but I feel that I’ll show I’m a level above.”
George boasts a decent record of 14 wins from 15 appearance with eight of his wins by stoppage.
But he is very much a home bird, 11 of his contests have been in his hometown of Toowoomba and he has boxed outside Australia only once.
Kelly has been on a tour of the UK’s major cities since turning pro, boxing in Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle, Belfast, London and Cardiff.
Now, it’s Newcastle for a second time and he hopes there will be more North-East dates, providing he says he can continue his golden form.
“I have to keep winning so that we can keep coming back and putting on big nights like this,” said the Sunderland star.
“The North-East hasn’t had anything this big for a long time and to look at the quality of young talent on the bill it shows that there’s a bright future up here – as long as we all perform.
“That’s what I intend to do on June 16 and I’m sure the other boys will as we want to put it on the map.”
The Sky Sports-screened event will be co-headlined by British lightweight champion Lewis Ritson.
Click here for ticket information.
The unbeaten Newcastle star (pictured left with Josh on the right) aims to land the Lonsdale belt outright against fellow undefeated ace Paul Hyland Jr.
Elsewhere on the Matchroom blockbuster, Gavin McDonnell defends his WBC International super-bantamweight title against Darlington’s Stuart Hall in a must-win clash for both men.
Charlie Edwards and South Shields hero Anthony Nelson meet for the vacant WBA Continental super-flyweight title and Arfan Iqbal defends his English cruiserweight belt against Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Ian Horrocks/ Matchroom
