A nightmare for anyone. The words of Adam Booth on Josh Kelly.
The teacher and his pupil are back in the corner again on Friday night as one of British boxing’s most gifted operators resumes hostilities.
Kelly has not fought since a first career defeat back in February 2021 when he failed in a bid to take David Avanesyan’s European title.
The 28-year-old is back with a new management team, Wasserman, who stage Friday’s event at the 02, their first show for Channel 5, with the Sunderland boxer tackling Italian-based Albanian Xhuljo Vrenozi.
Since that sixth-round loss at Wembley, ’Pretty Boy’ has left Matchroom, who launched his professional career, to go free-to-air and has moved up to light-middle, or super-welter in new money.
But, unlike some boxers who jettison coaches after a high-profile defeat, the alliance of Kelly-Booth, or Booth-Kelly if you prefer remains intact.
“The loss and what happened that night was a culmination of things going on outside of the gym and outside of the ring that he has taken his time to resolve and correct,” said Booth.
“It is an essential part of his journey.
“I’ve had the experience of seeing fighters lose at a lower level, to then come back and achieve at a much higher level.
“Somebody with the ability of Josh Kelly, with desire, discipline and healthy focus, is a nightmare for anyone.”
All is good in the life of the 2016 Rio Olympian which is good to hear.
Writing in Boxing News this week, ‘Pretty Boy’ explained that the loss of his ‘0’ was no big deal.
As a long-time member of the amateur boxing scene, where defeats are ten a penny, he understands these things happen as a boxer develops.
And Booth believes that development will lead to a world title and that could happen during a five-fight agreement with Wasserman.
“He can become a world champion, absolutely. I’ve always thought that,” said Booth.
“Josh is a talented, intelligent, and capable young man who could do a lot of different things in life.
“He’s chosen to come back and keep doing this, which in itself shows his determination.”
Kelly has achieved much already, Commonwealth champion in his seventh bout, a series of WBA International title wins, plus a draw with Ray Robinson in his 10th outing.
A style which is beautiful on the eye too makes Kelly an attractive talent and Booth sees no reason to change him.
“Josh Kelly as a fighter?” said the famous trainer. “Talented, tough, incredible imagination, and unpredictable.
“The one thing we are encouraging Josh to be is himself, and he is a highly entertaining individual in terms of whether you have a conversation and a laugh with him, or you watch him spar.
“It’s about him expressing himself.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Leigh Dawney/Wasserman Boxing
