Sunderland Echo

Sunderland elite boxers Kelly and McCormack set for Tyneside show

- James Copley james.copley@nationalwo­rld.co.uk

Sunderland-born boxer Josh Kelly will fight for the WBO internatio­nal super welterweig­ht belt in Newcastle later this month at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle.

Ryhope’s Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) will be counting on the support of the North East to get him over the line when he competes against Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) for the WBO internatio­nal super welterweig­ht championsh­ip on Saturday, July 30 at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle.

The show will be free-toair and live on Channel 5 and will also feature Sunderland Olympian, Pat McCormack.

This fight presents a chance for one of these fighters to break into the world ranking with the WBO. After a dominant performanc­e against Peter Kramer last time out, Kelly will be looking to carry that confidence to cement himself into the world rankings.

Alongside the reward of a world ranking also comes big fights. With the division being held up by undisputed champion Jermell Charlo, Kelly is aiming to reintroduc­e himself dramatical­ly onto the global scene of the super welterweig­ht division.

Kelly said: “I'm buzzing and I’m ready. There's no reason to sugar-coat the fact that my opponent will be putting even more into training to try to cause an upset.

"We are covering all bases in camp, and when you have world title aspiration­s you

make sure you're preparing like a world champion.

“The WBO belt adds that additional spice to things, and it's about me going out there and being Josh Kelly that will see it leaving the arena with

me in front of my friends and family.

"We are the North East, and we don't do things in halfmeasur­es. On fight night, I'll be there to push the pace and show why this will be the first

belt of many.”

“Josh Kelly fighting for titles feels like one of the most natural things in boxing,” said Kelly’s promoter Kalle Sauerland.

“His pedigree and his ability

rightfully have him fighting for the WBO Internatio­nal belt when we blow the roof off the Vertu Motors Arena. This will stick Josh's name exactly where it belongs and sets up an exciting future where massive fights can be made for our former Olympian. Newcastle, be ready!”

Tickets priced £40, £80, £100 and £200 are on sale now and available via www. wassermanb­oxing.com.

 ?? ?? Josh Kelly makes his way to the ring during the Super Welterweig­ht fight against Peter Kramer at the M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool.
Josh Kelly makes his way to the ring during the Super Welterweig­ht fight against Peter Kramer at the M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool.

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