Forget Madison Square Garden, Josh Kelly has another three-word venue in his mind: Stadium of Light.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has mentioned the boxer known as ‘Pretty Boy’ in despatches for the undercard of Anthony Joshua v Jarrell Miller on June 1 at the iconic MSG in New York.
That’s assuming the Sunderland boxer comes through his WBA international welterweight title defence against Przemyslaw Runowski at the O2 in London on April 20. You would be concerned if he doesn’t.
But Kelly’s eye is already on a date in his home city, further down the line admittedly.
“Fighting at the Stadium of Light would be out of this world,” said Kelly.
“The Sunderland lads have always backed me throughout my career and I’d love to have an opportunity to repay their loyal support.
“Hopefully we can do something up there in the future.
“A World title fight in my home city would obviously be the dream and it’s something I’m striving for every day.
“When I was at the Sunderland Academy I always thought I’d play at the stadium one day, but to fight there for a world title would be even better.”
It should be a matter of when and not if the 25-year-old is packing out the SoL.
Kelly, who tried his hand at football with both Sunderland and Hartlepool United as a kid, is working hard towards the second defence of his WBA belt.
A tough Pole with a name that would bring a helluva score in Scrabble stands in his way in a fortnight in London.
Kelly has a very fine record of 8-0 (6), but Runowski’s is even better ay 17-0 (3).
“I’ve done my research on Runowski and he’s a solid opponent to test myself against, he’s unbeaten for a reason. They breed them tough in Eastern Europe,” said the Adam Booth-trained mover.
“He looks very confident in himself. He’s strong and fit and he’s done a few 10-rounders.
“I don’t expect him to come over here just to laydown.
“He’s going to keep on me while the fight lasts so I’ll have to keep my concentration and not switch off.
“I’m looking to dismantle him in style and put on a show to remind everyone what I’m about.
“This year is going to be massive if everything goes to plan. I’ve got to keep my feet firmly on the ground, continue to work and get the results.”
Kelly-Runowski is part of a huge Matchroom night at the O2.
Popular heavy Dave Allen faces the biggest night of his career against Australia’s former WBA heavyweight world champ Lucas Browne while Derek Chisora faces Senad Gashi.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
