Josh Kelly insists he has nothing to prove to anyone as he prepares for his first fight of 2019.
The gifted Sunderland star will defend his WBA International welterweight title against Polish fighter, Przemyslaw Runowski, at the O2 on Saturday.
It is Kelly’s first appearance since the 11th hour collapse of December’s defence against David Avanesyan after falling ill in Sheffield on the eve of the contest.
‘Pretty Boy’ and his coach, Adam Booth, were labelled “complete bottle jobs” by Avanesyan’s manager, Neil Marsh, who said their behaviour was “disgusting”.
Kelly says it has not weighed on his mind and feels in the “best shape” he’s ever been in ahead of the London date with the unbeaten Pole, telling punch-lines that he has added more “spite” to his game.
Have the accusations and insults affected or needled the 2016 Olympian?
“Not really,” said the 25-year-old. “I’ve brushed it off and just got on with doing my stuff.
“Given the circumstances, I can understand them being angry.
“But really would I have put in a full camp to pull out on the day?
“When all is said and done, we asked them for the fight – we rang them for me to fight David.
“Would we do that and then feign an illness on the day?
“What’s been said has not affected me, perhaps I have a little bit more spite in my work.
“I’m the same Josh Kelly, looking forward to getting in the ring and enjoying myself and putting on a show.
“I’ll take a look at Runowski in the first round and then take it from there.”
The irony is that the European Boxing Union have made Kelly the mandatory challenger for the EBU welterweight title … held by Avanesyan following the Nottinghamshire-based Armenian’s win over Kerman Lejarraga in Spain in March.
Given Saturday’s match at the O2 will be Kelly’s third WBA International bout, world honours might be just around the corner, assuming, of course, he take care of Runowski.
The Commonwealth champion respects his opponent, who has won all 17 of his contests, but says he’s in the condition and the mood to excel.
“It’s the best camp I’ve ever had,” said Josh. “Adam thinks it’s the best shape he’s ever seen me in, so we’re both excited for Saturday.”
The Matchroom show is headlined by a heavyweight double header with Doncaster’s Dave Allen facing Lucas Browne and Derek Chisora taking on Senad Gashi. Tickets are still on sale while the action will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in America.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Simon Stacpoole/ Matchroom
