Born on March 7, 1994, Josh Kelly has emerged as one of England’s promising talents in the boxing world. His journey began in the amateur ranks, where he showcased his skills on an international stage. Kelly represented Great Britain in the men’s welterweight event at the 2016 Summer Olympics, a prestigious achievement that highlighted his potential early on. Additionally, he secured a bronze medal at the 2015 European Games, reinforcing his status as a top-tier amateur boxer with a bright future ahead.
Professional Boxing Journey
Kelly transitioned to the professional scene in April 2017, where he made an impressive debut against Dublin’s Jay Byrne at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow. In a six-round contest, Kelly dominated the fight, earning a points victory (59-55), marking a successful start to his professional career. This debut was notably part of the undercard for the high-profile Ricky Burns vs. Julius Indongo bout, providing Kelly with significant exposure.
Continuing his rise, Kelly added notable victories in May and June 2017, defeating Spain’s Jony Vila and Gateshead’s Tom Whitfield. The fourth-round stoppage of Vila at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham and the first-round knockout of Whitfield in Newcastle established Kelly as a fighter with both power and precision. By the end of 2017, Kelly maintained a flawless 5-0 record, with each win contributing to his growing reputation.
Kelly’s Notable Fights
One of Kelly’s most challenging fights came in June 2019 when he faced Ray Robinson, who was highly ranked in the welterweight division. The fight ended in a majority draw, with one judge scoring it in Kelly’s favor, but the other two judges saw it as even. This fight tested Kelly’s resilience and skill against a world-class opponent, demonstrating that he could hold his own against top-tier competition.
However, Kelly faced a significant setback in February 2021 when he fought David Avanesyan, a highly ranked welterweight. Despite a valiant effort, Kelly was stopped in the sixth round, marking the first defeat of his professional career. This loss was a pivotal moment for Kelly, as it led him to reassess and adapt his approach moving forward.
British Light-Middleweight Champion
Undeterred, Kelly made the strategic decision to move up to the light-middleweight division, where he found renewed success. On December 2, 2022, he captured the British light-middleweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Troy Williamson at the Newcastle Arena. This win marked a significant milestone, solidifying Kelly’s position as a top contender in the light-middleweight division.
Upcoming Fight Against Liam Smith
Kelly is set to face another significant test in his career as he prepares to fight Liam Smith on September 21, 2024, at Wembley Stadium. This bout, which is part of the undercard for the Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois heavyweight clash, has generated considerable interest. Smith, a former WBO junior-middleweight champion, is coming off a TKO loss to Chris Eubank Jr. and is determined to prove he still has what it takes at the highest level. Smith has acknowledged Kelly’s talent but believes he can exploit what he sees as flaws in Kelly’s style. This fight is expected to be a defining moment for both fighters, with the outcome potentially reshaping their careers.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond the ring, Josh Kelly is a devoted supporter of Sunderland AFC, a reflection of his strong ties to his hometown. His passion for football, especially for his local team, adds an additional layer of relatability to his public persona, endearing him to fans from various walks of life.
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