KELLY UP FOR FESTIVE PUNCH-UP IN EAST END
SUNDERLAND FIGHTER JOSH LANDS A FRENCH TEST ON WORLD TITLE SHOW IN LONDON
Josh Kelly will get to box before Christmas after Matchroom announced the unbeaten talent will appear on Katie Taylor’s world title show in London.
The Sunderland star will tackle vastly-experienced Frenchman Jean Michel Hamilcaro at the York Hall in BethnalGreenonWednesday, December 13.
Trainer Adam Booth was keen for Kelly to fight before the end of the year and promoter Eddie Hearn has delivered with a 10-round international match at the famous East End venue.
The gifted 23-year-old had been lined up for the biggest contest of his flourishing career at the 02 Arena on December 16 on the undercard of the Tony Bellew-David Haye rematch.
However, that Sky Sports Box Office event collapsed after Haye pulled out injured.
Kelly was due to box a world top 30 opponent that night as Booth and Hearn looked to move him towards the elite in just his fifth professional bout.
That leap is now likely to come when the two old heavyweight rivals stage their rematch in late March or the beginning of May.
However, Booth and Kelly have got their wish of a fight and has been handed a test against a quality operator, from France.
And the slick Ryhope mover says he is happy to be guided by his coach and manager.
“Adam and Eddie tell me what to do –I just keep working hard,” said Kelly.
“I don’t call people out, I just do my job in the ring and graft in the gym.
“I’ve been alongside [world champion] Ryan Burnett in the gym and I’ve seen what needs to be done to reach the top and I’m ready to put that work in.
“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.”
Kelly has been given a step up in distance as well as class.
Hamilcaro, a former French, IBF International and WBC Mediterranean title challenger, has a wealth of experience.
The 31-year-old, from Marne, has lost only eight times in 36 bouts, and has 214 rounds in the bank.
That contrasts sharply with Kelly, whose four straight wins have taken just 13 rounds.
He has, to date, taken care of everyone who has been placed in front of him.
After outpointing Ireland’s Jay Byrne on his debut in Glasgow in April, the 2016 Rio Olympian has been a man in a rush. Jony Vina lasted less than two rounds in Birmingham, North East neighbour Tom Whitfield was knocked out in only 80 seconds and José Luis Zúñiga in round two in Belfast last month.
Even taking into account that stoppage at the SSE Arena was a tad premature, to rip apart the Mexican light-middleweight champion, who had been unbeaten since July 2014, was pretty special.
“My fitness is there, I’m starting to turn into a man, so I want big fights,” added Kelly. I am confident that when I land them I’ll win them.”