Josh Kelly’s comeback begins May 13, but big fights and world titles remain ‘Pretty Boy’ ultimate goals.
After signing with Wasserman Boxing, the 28-year-old’s first match under their banner will be shown live on Channel 5 from Indigo at O2, London.
The new chapter of the superweight will aim to erase memories of his last bout, a suffocating loss to David Avanesyan 14 months ago.
“We all know Avanesyan is a top, world-class boxer,” Kelly promoter Kalle Sauerland told Boxing Social’s Ryan Elliott.
“I don’t think he’s necessarily pushed too far. You take those risks and you’re worse off sometimes, but you have to break a few eggs to make an omelette. “
Sauerland’s ability and openness to work with other promoters could pave the way for some major domestic fights for Kelly. The 2016 Olympic athlete, an avid Sunderland fan, will be keen on the North East derby with Newcastle fan Lewis Ritson.
“It was huge,” Kelly said of the war against the super-light ship Geordie.
‘If he’s willing to go to 147 and I go down that fight will sell out St James’ [Park] and the Stadium of Light twice. That’s how big the support is, how big the competition is. That’s how loyal supporters are. I’m red and white he’s black and white. Of course it was an improbable war.”
And Kelly says he will have no problem traveling to Newcastle to see Ritson.
“One day far away? We haven’t had a derby in a while. It could happen.”
One name frequently associated with Kelly prior to Avanesyan’s death was Conor Benn. The Londoner often called for a meeting with his then-partner Matchroom but their careers have now taken different paths. Benn is on his way to the world champion title in the welterweight division while Kelly is trying to get her career back on track. But could a war between Benn still happen one day?
“I can’t understand why not. 147 or 154, I think we’re going to get over the 100% roads. I’m here to make the big battles happen, that’s definitely a name we’ll see in the future. ”
Watch Boxing Social’s interview with Josh Kelly here.
