Top UK talent Josh Kelly can’t wait to “put on a performance” on his USA debut next month.
Matchroom today announced their unbeaten welterweight will defend his WBA International title against American southpaw at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, June 1.
This fascinating Trans-Atlantic tussle is on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight world title clash with Andy Ruiz Jr. at the famous New York fight venue.
Robinson has lost only three times in an excellent 28-fight career and presents a real danger to Kelly’s 100 per cent run as a professional.
But the Sunderland star is excited to be treading the big stage in the USA.
“To be boxing at the Mecca of boxing Madison Square Garden is pretty serious isn’t it,” said Kelly, who believes this could be the first of many appearances in the States.
“I’ve never been there before so I’m going to enjoy the experience and put a performance on.
“To be fighting at a venue like that so early on in my career is another box ticked on my journey.
“Things change and titles switch hands but the majority of world titles are held in the US at the moment so I could end up boxing there a lot more in the future.
“I just take things fight by fight and I never overlook anyone because I’d be doing myself and my opponent an injustice.”
This will be no pushover as the boxer known as ‘Pretty Boy’ acknowledges.
Robinson, from Philadelphia, has a 24-3-1 record with half of those wins coming via stoppage.
One of his three losses came at the hands of current WBC welterweight king Shawn Porter in 2010, and the 33-year-old southpaw earned a very creditable draw last time out in March against the undefeated and world rated Egidijus Kavaliauskas.
Kelly said: “Robinson is a very good opponent.
“He’s a good boxer with an awkward southpaw style so it’s another good test for me.
“It’s going to be a great fight and a night to enjoy.
“I get a lot of support from people in the US so it’s nice to have an opportunity to put on a performance in front of them.”
Kelly extended his run to 9-0 (6) with a superb win last month in London against the previously-undefeated Pole Przemyslaw Runowski at the O2.
Promoter, Eddie Hearn, believes we will find out what Josh “is all about” in New York.
“This is a great fight and a huge step-up for Josh on the biggest stage possible,” said Hearn.
“Robinson is an accomplished fighter that will test him in every department.
“This is the stage for him to shine, in front of a sold out MSG broadcast all over the World – June 1 we will really find out what PBK is all about.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
