Star Kelly gets chance to shine on Joshua bill

A WEEK after Lewis Ritson’s explosive win, another North Easterner goes hunting for glory.

Houghton’s Josh Kelly takes on Carlos Molina for the vacant WBA welterweight International title on the Anthony Joshua undercard at Cardiff on Saturday.

Kelly ought to make it six pro wins backed by his fast hands and sound boxing technique.

But Molina, 34, will be the biggest name on Kelly’s Josh Kelly CV having fought the likes of former world champion Erislandy Lara. Ritson, from Forest Hall, destroyed Scott Cardle inside two rounds of his British lightweight title defence and will aim to win the Lonsdale Belt outright this summer. Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “We talk about Josh Kelly being the star of the North East but, trust me, more performances like that and Lewis will be all right. “Both of those guys are really going to put North East boxing back on the map. We’re going to be at the Newcastle Arena on June 16 and we’re going to fill that place.

“One more win to keep the belt outright – that stays on the mantle piece forever – and then we’ll move on to the European and world level.”

Fans are being asked to pay £1 to attend the Good Friday weigh-ins ahead of Joshua’s showdown with Joseph Parker with all money raised going to Scott Westgarth’s family.

Prudhoe-born Scott died in hospital in February after beating with Dec Spelman on points.

Hearn has confirmed Matchroom will double the money raised.