Josh Kelly is looking to put a false start firmly behind him by turning on the style in Liverpool.
The Sunderland star is determined to put on a “dominant display live on Channel 5” on Friday, June 17.
Kelly was left frustrated last month when his debut for new promoters Wasserman fell through just hours before it was due to be screened live on terrestrial TV.
He is now excited to have a 10-round light-middleweight clash at the M&S Bank Arena, where Cheshire heavyweight Nathan Gorman takes on Tomas Salek while Josh’s old Sunderland neighbour, Thomas Essomba, has a British title eliminator with Liverpool’s Marcel Braithwaite.
No opponent has yet been selected for Kelly, but whoever is in the opposite corner, there is only destination ‘Pretty Boy’ has in his sights – the top.
“Nothing has changed,” said Kelly, who will be boxing for the first time since February 2021, when he lost in a European welterweight title challenge with David Avanesyan.
“I said I was after world titles before and I’m still after them.
“I’m ready to do whatever, and that starts with a dominant display live on Channel 5 in Liverpool.
“I can’t wait to give my fans, and all fans of the sport, a masterclass come fight night.”
Eyes will be on Kelly on the scales on Merseyside as well as inside the ring.
He came in at 156lb 9oz, just over two pounds above the weight limit at the 02, with opponent, Xhuljo Vrenozi, tipping the scales at 151lb 12oz.
In title fights, often these matters are accepted as ‘no big deal’ or are smoothed over financially and it would appear promoter Kalle Sauerland tried to do that to save one of the night’s big fights.
But Vrenazi wouldn’t play ball, with Sauerland saying the Albanian “bottled it to put it bluntly.”
Kelly said: “It’s not the first, or last, time it will happen in boxing.
“My job is to prepare and be ready for whoever, whenever – I’ll be leaving no stone unturned come June 17.”
Ambition is not an issue for Kelly, who fought for the Commonwealth title in his seventh bout, Ray Robinson in his 10th and Avanesyan in number 12.
You get the impression Wasserman are keen to get the 2016 Rio Olympian contending again at the top pretty quickly.
But, for now, Kalle Sauerland, their head of global boxing, is just looking forward to see the showman perform at the M&S Bank Arena.
“Josh’s talent is assured in that ring, and the fighting city of Liverpool gets to host it,” said the promoter, pictured above alongside Josh.
“With over a million viewers on Channel 5 last time, the country will get the opportunity to witness a refreshed and ready ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Leigh Dawney/Wasserman Boxing
