Championship-chasing Josh Kelly has some massive occasions on the horizon – providing he gets accounts for Gabriel Corzo.
The Sunderland boxer faces the unbeaten Argentine in Newcastle on Saturday night when the WBO International light-middleweight belt is on the line.
But Kalle Sauerland, promoter of Saturday night’s alliance between Wasserman and DAZN at the Vertu Motors Arena, has thrown a delicious teaser into the mix – a domestic dust-up of huge proportions and may be even something bigger. Remember, this fella has form as the mastermind of the World Boxing Super Series.
Should the owner of all the world light-middleweight belts, Jerrell Charlo, move up a division, as he is touted to, the global scene will open up for Kelly, but domestic matters might well come first if we are getting the right vibes.
“A lot of world titles will start becoming vacant and at number two you win on Saturday and you are right there,” said Sauerland, looking towards the man who dazzled last time out against Troy Williamson for the British championship.
“There are very different routes. I can see opportunities on both paths emerging this year still. There is a world title situation, especially around Charlo’s belts.
“As a promoter, I’ve done a few tournaments in my time and I just look around at this British scene and see there are some great domestic fights as well which I know the UK loves.
“Look at the names around the weight, such as Kell Brook returning, Chris Eubank Jnr, Liam Smith and, potentially, Conor Benn. You have got a Super Six tournament there or Super Five.
“I do love a domestic blockbuster, there are lots of names out there around that weight.
“These are exciting times.”
Saturday’s England v Argentina showdown is a world title eliminator in everything but name, given Kelly is the World Boxing Organisation’s number two-rated fighter and his 28-year-old opponent is positioned at nine.
For Adam Booth-trained Kelly, a 14th professional win will open either door.
“Josh is number two in the world following his win over Troy in December,” added Sauerland.
“We back are here in Newcastle to build on that to and to do that you have to fight other top contenders and we’ve got the unbeaten number nine here from Argentina, 18 and 0 in a very live fight.”
The 29-year-old former Olympian looks, and sounds, in great nick, and so he should given he is returning to the North-East off the back of December’s 12-round exhibition against Williamson live on Channel 5, a career-boosting win and display which buried any lingering memories of that lone career defeat to David Avanesyan.
“Josh went out of last year with a massive bang,” added his promoter. “It was one off the best comebacks in boxing in recent times.
“He was a man who had been written off and picked himself up and dusted himself off with the help of Adam, but mainly himself.
“He wanted to show the world that he wasn’t just some hype job. He’s a man who possesses unbelievable skill and a great engine. He’s a formidable boxer.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Leigh Dawney/ Wasserman
