Just 29 sleeps to go. No, not Christmas. Something much better than that.
Josh Kelly is boxing again on December 16. Not just boxing, but performing in an SR postcode.
‘Pretty Boy’ has been matched with African light-middleweight champion Roarke Knapp at the Beacon of Light, in the shadow of Sunderland AFC’s incredible home stadium.
It could be a prelude to a world title challenge, should he account for the 25-year-old South African, who has lost only one of his 19 contests, with 12 of his 17 wins coming inside the distance.
Kelly is rated at one by the WBO, with whom he holds the World Boxing Organisation’s Continental belt, while he is ranked in the top 15 of two other sanctioning bodies.
The Ryhope 29-year-old is fourth in the IBF list and at 11 with the WBC, with Roarke positioned at 11 and 12.
Victory should move Kelly into pole position and Kalle Sauerland, Wasserman’s head of global boxing, said it was key that the contest was made for Sunderland, rather than over the water in Newcastle, where the former British champion’s last three appearances have been.
“December 16 is the most important night of Josh Kelly’s career and so making sure he has the backing of his home fans, was vital,” said the promoter.
“I was stunned to learn that he’s not boxed in the great sporting city of Sunderland since he was an amateur, 11 years ago, so for everyone involved this is going to be a special homecoming.
“Josh is one of British boxing’s most gifted fighters and now that he is entering his prime, he is ready for all-comers.
“Knapp is the type of big-punching fighter that a lot of Josh’s rivals would have avoided like the plague, but not our man.
“To prove he is the best in the division, he’s prepared to take on anyone.”
It looks a live test, hopefully much better than his last outing when he was up against a negative Gabriel Corzo.
The record of the fighter, from Johannesburg, suggests he’s a boxer who not only likes to get forward but loves an early night, with only five of his victories requiring scorecards.
Last time out he stopped former Sam Egglington victim, Przemyslaw Zysk in five rounds at Kempton Park (the South African one not the West London racecourse) while his stand-out result was his split decision win over Brandon Thysse for the vacant African title in June 2022. It avenged his sole career defeat back in late 2019.
Violent intent from Knapp should be good for Kelly and good for Wearside fight fans.
“I can’t wait to put on a show and get dancing under those lights on December 16th, with the support of my city behind me,” commented the Adam Booth-trained Kelly.
“I’m so excited to be boxing back home, in Sunderland, for the first time as a professional.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
