Sunderland created a Wembley fairytale in the 20th century and now one of the city’s most gifted sons is attempting to write his own piece of history.
Almost five decades on from the red and white’s famous 1973 FA Cup final victory over the mighty Leeds United, Josh Kelly aims to become Sunderland’s first European champion of the 21st century by ripping the title away from David Avanesyan at the SSE Arena.
And Wearside’s last king of Europe, Billy Hardy, is confident the unbeaten 26-year-old has “all the tools in the box” to beat the in-form Russian on Saturday, February 20.
“It’s a great chance for Josh,” declared Hardy. “Win this and the world’s his oyster.
“He’s up against a very tough opponent, who’s knocked out his last three, two of them very early doors.
“But Josh is a tough kid, he’s got a good chin and can take a shot.
“If he beats the European champion he really puts himself and the city on the map.”
Sunderland sport has had little to smile about, especially the fall of the football team who are into their third season in League One, but Hardy says Kelly is the man who can put the smile back on local faces.
“Josh is from good stock and has been in the game a long time,” he said.
“He had a great amateur career and was an Olympian, but he probably couldn’t go any further in the amateurs and he’s done well so far as a professional.
“He’s got a lot of experience, so is this the right time? I think so.
“I hope he brings a bit of glory to the city because the football team has not been doing very well.
“I know we got a good win at Ipswich and are in the play-off positions but Sunderland has not been the same since Sam left to take the England job.”
Hardy ruled Europe at featherweight from 1995-98 with the last of his 37 career wins coming in his fourth EBU defence against French-Algerian Mehdi Labdouni in January 1998.
The 56-year-old will be pleased to lose his tag as Sunderland’s last European champ and he wants ‘Pretty Boy’ to become the city’s first champion of the world.
“Josh has got all the tools in the box,” said Hardy. “He has great style and can give and take a shot.
“But the biggest thing is he’s got a great heart.
“He’s a box/fighter, just like I used to be.
“I was a scrapper in the beginning but as my career went on I used my brain and my boxing more.
“Josh is a very exciting talent from Sunderland and that makes me proud.
“When I was the British champion it was the proudest time of my life, especially when I was defending the title in Sunderland.
“But winning the European title is another notch up and the step after that is the world championship.
“I had three goes but it never happened for me, but it can for Josh.
“The European title gets you up the ladder with a high ranking with the WBA, WBC and IBF so winning at Wembley will open the door for the worlds.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Ian Wilson/ Matchroom
