Kelly hoping to finish incredible year in style

SUNDERLAND boxing starlet Josh Kelly will have his fifth professional fight by the end of the year - to cap off an incredible first eight months in the paid ranks. Kelly, an ex-Olympian who has dazzled so far in his four fights to date, faces a big step-up against Frenchman Jean Michel Hamilcaro in what is slated to be his first ten-rounder at a soldout York Hall show on December 13. Hamilcaro has been in with some good opposition in his career and his record reads 25 wins, eight defeats and three draws. His most recent bout saw him capture the IBF Mediterranean super welterweight title, while he’s also previously held the IBF international strap too.

Fan-favourite Kelly is not in the least concerned, however.

He said: “Adam Booth (trainer) and Eddie Hearn (promoter) tell me what to do – I just keep working hard. I don’t call people out I just do my job in the ring and graft in the gym.

“People are talking about European and World titles for me and I’m only 4-0 and just 23 years old, there’s plenty of time but I’m excited about where we’re going.

“My fitness is there, I’m starting to turn into a man, so I want big fights and I am confident that when I land them I’ll win them.”

The York Hall card will be televised live on Sky Sports and is topped by Katie Taylor’s world title defence against American Jessica McCaskill.

It’s expected to be Matchroom’s final show of the year after the December 17 Tony Bellew-David Haye card was cancelled when Haye got injured in training.

Matchroom’s other North East star Lewis Ritson was pencilled in for that card at the O2 in London. The slick Forest Hall boxer was due to make a first defence of his British lightweight title against Hull’s Tommy Coyle.

Promoter Hearn revealed that all the documents were signed on that one and he was hoping that it could be rearranged for the new year.