Josh Kelly tuned up for his shot at David Avanesyan’s European title in the spring by clinching his 10th professional win in the USA.
Kelly extended his unbeaten run to 11 bouts with a comprehensive points victory over former Josh Taylor foe, Wiston Campos in Arizona.
The Sunderland star had the Nicaraguan down in the last but it went to the judges cards at the Talking Stick Resort Arena where he triumphed 99-90 (twice) and 98-91.
It was a fine response from Kelly after an outpouring of criticism (hugely undeserved) following his draw with southpaw Ray Robinson in New York in June.
Kelly was matched with another left-hander in Phoenix and dealt with him with aplomb, brushing off the inconvenience of a little claret from a cut to his right eye and the bridge of his nose.
The 25-year-old, who had dad Paul assisting coach Adam Booth in the corner, was his customary sharp self with his reactions as well as his shots and even had the Nicaraguan down from a right hook in the last round.
Campos looked at the ref in a state of bemusement that it was counted as a knock-down but, for Kelly, it provided a good end to a very watchable contest against an opponent who was game.
Next up it will be that long-awaited showdown with Avanesyan.
The pair were due to meet 12 months ago in a defence of Kelly’s WBA International title, only for illness to force ‘Pretty Boy’ out at the 11th hour.
Since then, Ava has rattled off a stunning Spanish treble in European title fights, all three coming inside the distance with the most recent two wins coming in the opening round.
The Nottinghamshire-trained Armenian is a real dangerman and that sets up what could be a classic contest.
Elsewhere at the Talking Stick Resort Arena, Liam Smith also won by a unanimous decision after 10 rounds, defeating Roberto Garcia, while in the main event Julio Cesar Chavez Jr stayed on his stool after the fifth round to retire in his bout with Daniel Jacobs.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Ed Mulholland/ Matchroom
