Josh aims to conquer the world
Josh Kelly is looking to go “all the way” to the top after turning professional with Matchroom and Sky Sports.
Excited promoter Eddie Hearn says he is looking forward “to guiding him to a world title” and will give him his pro debut in Glasgow on April 15.
The 22-year-old Sunderland fighter, who represented Team GB at the 2016 Olympics, has already taken the first steps of his journey, having begun training with top coach Adam Booth in London.
“I want to get fans across the whole of Britain and beyond to want to watch me and come to my fights,” said Kelly.
“I think they’ll see flash and flair and there will be KOs too.
“There are going to be ups and downs, because I’m a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but, when I put my mind to it, I know can do a lot in the sport.
“I’ve got the right people around me and all the boxes are ticked for success.”
Kelly reached the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Championship and the last 16 at the Olympics in Rio, but he is now fully focused on being a success as a professional.
“I could have stayed amateur and I think I would’ve have got to the Commonwealth Games and the next Olympics,” said the European Games bronze medallist.
“When I was switched on and focused, I don’t think anyone in Britain or Europe could come close to me.
“I’m a mature 22-yearold and I want to move my
on really.
“I’ve sparred with tough pros and dealt with that well and I know I can box well too, so the pro game will suit me.
“I think I can be someone the fans want to buy tickets (to see) and they see something different in me that they can get behind.”
Kelly is training with David Haye’s former coach Booth and will operate at welterweight, his amateur division.
And the Ryhope lad feels confident that, after two weeks in the Boxing Booth, the association will pay dividends.
“Adam is top class,” said Kelly. “My style is perfect for him – he loves flair but he knows how to control it.
“I feel I can go all the way with Adam training me.
“We’re on the same wavelength even though we’ve only just started, because I feel I’m learning every day.”
Kelly has followed his Team GB 2016 Olympic team-mates, Lawrence Okolie and Joe Cordina, into the paid ranks with Hearn.
And “Special K” will make his debut on Saturday, April 15 at the SSE Arena in Glasgow on the undercard of Ricky Burns’ world lightwelterweight unification clash with Julius Indongo, live on Sky Sports.
His promoter is convinced that Matchroom and Sky have a real talent in Kelly.I’m delighted to welcome another Olympian to the team in Josh Kelly,” said Hearn.
“Josh is an exceptional talent and looks a million dollars.
“I really feel that he can cross over and become a star in the sport.
“Fans are really going to enjoy following Josh’s journey on Sky Sports and I look forward to guiding him to a world title.”