Big fights, big names, big everything.
That is what is on the mind of Josh Kelly as he gets ever closer to his return in the North-East.
The ambitious 29-year-old is taking the next step towards a world title challenge in Newcastle, where he faces Gabriel Corzo on Saturday, June 24.
It is an all-WBO top 10 showdown with Kelly rated at two by the World Boxing Organisation and the undefeated Argentinian at nine.
The Sunderland talent is back in the ring for the first time in over six months following his masterful British light-middleweight championship success over North-East neighbour Troy Williamson in December.
Kelly looked good inside the at ropes at the Booth Boxing Gym on Friday, when he performed equally confidently with his media interviewed outside the ropes.
“Big fights, big names, big everything, that’s what I’m looking for now,” declared the boxer, known as ‘Pretty Boy’ who is also rated at seven by the IBF and 13 by the WBC.
“It is going to be an explosive performance on June 24 and my skillset, coupled with the way I am performing at the moment, means I can’t be matched.
“Having just turned 29, I am coming into my prime and Corzo is going to be in trouble later this month.
“I know I will get the chance for this world title in the next 12 months and I will win it.”
Corzo will come to the Vertu Motors Arena, or Eagles Arena if you prefer, boasting the better record of 18 straight wins, his most recent success being a unanimous points verdict in his maiden defence.
Kelly has won 13 of his 15 bouts, his one blemish being a seventh-round stoppage to European welterweight champion David Avanesyan in February 2021.
He has since returned with new promoters Wasserman Boxing and at a new weight, winning three times, all live on Channel 5, including that triumph over Williamson at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle.
“The weight suits me, I feel strong and mature. I’m flying,” the former Olympian said in an interview with seconds out.com.
Kelly has been linked to a fight with Connor Benn, though ’The Destroyer’ is currently inactive following testing for a banned substance last year.
The British Boxing Board of Control has banned him from fighting in this country unless he can clear his name.
“I’d take it in a heartbeat but I don’t think he’d take it,” said Kelly when asked about the prospect of a mouth-watering domestic confrontation.
To watch Josh’s full interview on SecondsOut click here.
One prospect which remains very much on his mind is to fight for a world title at his beloved Stadium of Light, something which could happen in the summer of 2024.
“Anyone who’s got some mouth or hype about them we’d fill out the Stadium for sure,” added the Ryhope lad.
First things first though and it’s Kelly v Corzo in Newcastle and the good news is Kelly is “flying”.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Leigh Dawney/ Wasserman
