AMERICAN DREAM ON THE CARDS FOR KELLY?
EDDIE HEARN DISCUSSES JOSH’S FUTURE WITH USA DEBUT A REAL POSSIBILITY
Josh Kelly could make his debut stateside as Eddie Hearn aims to grow the PBK brand on a global scale.
The Sunderland welterweight won his second belt in just seven professional fights, beating titleist Kris George in a typically slick fashion at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena last time out.
And having dispatched of the Aussie on ‘home’ turf, ‘Pretty Boy’ could be set to go to the USA next, as promoter Hearn eyes world domination for the 24-year-old.
“He’s Commonwealth champion, WBA International champion, ranked in the top 15 in the world and is breezing through the opposition,” said Hearn of the former Team GB Rio 2016 Olympian, who turns 25 next week.
“I say it is a worry, but we have to wonder, where do you stop? Where do you slow him down?
“Adam [Booth] will be the one to decide the pace. I trust him implicitly. He will be the one telling me ‘this guy, this guy or this guy’.
“I am sure there will come a point where he decides we need to flatline, go to America or do something different.
“The refreshing thing is the pace he is moving. We live in a world now where fans are so impatient. They just want everything now.
“It’s like fans are saying ‘well that was good from Josh Kelly, c’mon, get him moving’. Sometimes you have to listen to what is right for the fighter’s career and not listen to the noise.”
Meanwhile, County Durham’s Tommy Ward has vacated his British title to chase world honours, meaning his clash with James Dickens next month at Rainton Meadows is off.
But the British Boxing Board of Control have approved his brother Martin Ward for the contest, meaning the fight night will still go ahead with local interest in the main event.
Ward senior will take on Dickens for the vacant title on Friday, July 27.
A statement on the governing board’s website read: “Following Thomas Patrick Ward vacating the Championship, the Stewards have approved the above contest to be promoted by Dennis Hobson, which will take place on Friday, July 27, at Rainton Meadows. The winner to waive grace and defend when called upon to do so.”