Can Josh Kelly record the first half of a Wembley double for Sunderland?
The city’s gifted boxing son will be challenging for the European welterweight title on Saturday night at the SSE Arena, under the shadow of the arch which hangs majestically over the home of English football.
Kelly’s opponent, reigning champion David Avanesyan, looks a tougher hurdle to clear than Tranmere Rovers, the League Two outfit Lee Johnson’s Black Cats must overcome in the Papa John’s Trophy final on Sunday, March 14. For Wearside sport, these are an exciting three weeks.
Those of you residing in an SR postcode may wish to skip the next paragraph.
Since humbling the mighty Leeds in 1973 in one of the 20th century’s most memorable FA Cup final upsets, Sunderland AFC have lost eight times in a row at old and new Wembley.
But Kelly, proud Sunderland man and fan, and a former member of the club’s academy as a teenager, is confident he’ll be bringing the European belt back to the city.
“I’m grateful for the chance,” said the 26-year-old. “I’m going to take it with both hands.
“That European title that has got my name written on it.”
Kelly v Avanesyan is going to be some fight. Admittedly, the Ryhope boxer is not fighting the whole of Russia but this one individual, who stands just 5ft 8in, is a man accustomed to imposing himself on his rivals.
This is Avanesyan’s fourth European championship bout – his first lasted nine rounds before stopping Kerman Lejarraga in Bilbao before returning to Spain to win the rematch in the first three minutes. His second defence was over inside the round, with Jose del Rio blasted away in Barcelona.
They were the most recent of the 14 stoppage successes the 32-year-old has in a career spanning 30 contests and includes only three losses, two coming at the highest level.
Kelly is going to have to perform at the highest level here to become Sunderland’s first European champion since 1998, when Billy Hardy made his fourth successful defence when he won by six, seven and nine points against France’s Mehdi Labdouni on the other side of London at the York Hall.
Josh, nicknamed ‘Pretty Boy’ by his promoter Eddie Hearn, does have the ability in his locker.
A quietly-spoken, almost shy, man outside the ring, he comes alive inside it with dazzling skills, mixing quick footwork with rapid hands.
“I’m going to go in there and I’m going to be the best version of Josh Kelly,” he told Betfred. “I don’t think David can take that over 12 rounds.
“I believe I can break him down and I will stop him.”
Kelly will be decked out in red and white at Wembley. Can this be Sunderland’s year?
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
