Josh Kelly has the chance to move a step closer to a world title shot after it was announced he will face Argentina’s Gabriel Corzo In Newcastle.
The Sunderland boxer takes on the unbeaten South American at the Vertu Motors Arena (or the Newcastle Eagles Arena in old money) on Saturday, June 24.
It is a mouth-watering top 10-tussle in the World Boxing Organisation light-middleweight ratings with the WBO’s International title on the line in the event promoted by Wasserman.
Kelly is currently rated at number two in the rankings with Corzo placed at nine, with the winner well positioned to have a tilt at American Jermell Charlo, who holds all four world championship belts.
Josh is currently rated at seven with the IBF and 14 with the WBC, so his world stock is certainly high, following his British title win over Troy Williamson in December in Newcastle.
The only negative in all this, a negative for fight fans rather than for the boxer known as ‘Pretty Boy’, is that the 29-year-old will be returning to entertaining behind a paywall.
Having boxed three times on free-to-air TV, live on Channel 5, the Wearsider’s shoot-out with the Argentine will be on DAZN, who show all the Matchroom events.
“A win over Corzo on June 24 in Newcastle will put me within touching distance of a shot at the world title,” said Kelly.
“I’m thrilled to be teaming up with DAZN and fully intend on producing a stellar performance that will be seen around the world.
“Corzo is ranked number nine in the world and is a good fighter. But I am going to deliver a display that makes the rest of the division sit up and take note.”
Kelly boasts a 13-1 record, including seven stoppages, while Corzo’s fight log boasts five more wins and zero defeat but, despite that, you would have to say the Adam Booth-trained talent is the furthest on in career terms.
But the 27-year-old, known as ‘El Terrible’ said: “I am not travelling all the way from Argentina to make up the numbers.
“I want my shot at the world title and Kelly is standing in my way of that, so he must be moved aside.
“I hope Kelly’s fans are prepared for the upset that is coming.”
There was no explanation or apology from Kalle Sauerland, the Global head of boxing, as to Wasserman’s decision to move Kelly onto DAZN, having championed the Channel 5 partnership so many times.
“Josh Kelly is ready to take on the world and everyone at Wasserman Boxing is thrilled to team up with DAZN on his journey to the top,” he said. “We all watched in awe at Josh’s display against Troy Williamson late last year, where he showed, over 12 faultless rounds, just how gifted he is.
“Josh Kelly, ranked two in the world, is an exceptional talent and I strongly believe we are going to see something extra special, live on DAZN.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
