Josh Kelly is running well. He has won every fight he has fought since his 2021 loss to David Avanesyan, including a stunning British title win over Troy Williamson.
But the questions raised by Avanesyan’s defeat have haunted Kelly ever since. He intends to answer once and for all when he fights Liam Smith on September 21.
Kelly and Smith box on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
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Reviving last year’s biggest domestic rivalry between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith, with Smith winning the first match via knockout before Eubank Jr got his revenge in the rematch.
Smith is a former super welterweight world champion who has fought Canelo Alvarez and many top fighters, most recently exchanging wins and losses with Chris Eubank Jr.
He is an expert in aggressive pressure, and if Kelly has not overcome the handicap of boxing, Smith will open.
Kelly’s trainer, Adam Booth, is confident that his fighter is ready for this test.
“Josh is in his prime. The last two and a half years have been the most important progress mentally. He has learned a lot about himself and recovered a lot of problems that have been there for years,” said Booth. Sky Sports.
“Since the first day he entered my gym six and a half years ago and he sparred Billy Joe Saunders, Andy Lee, Liam Williams, he proved that he has class. It’s just his mind and his mind. His mindset and maturity and understanding of himself that is necessary to hold up.
“It’s doing the job it’s been doing. But now she’s a prima donna and I’d put her up against anybody.”
Kelly has never boxed more than super-welter, while Smith’s last three fights have been at middleweight. But Booth insists Kelly won’t lack for size and strength.
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Watch unseen footage from Liam Smith’s sensational win over Chris Eubank Jr in Manchester at the weekend.
“Josh is 154lbs very big, and Liam is 154 which is just a bit old now. He is tough, experienced and tough enough to be a 160lbs fighter but the difference between 154 and 160 is not much,” said Booth.
“I expect, knowing Liam and knowing Josh, that the difference when they are in the ring will be about two kilograms at least. It’s even a match up and I think people will be surprised when the fight starts Josh will one look bigger.”
Kelly is considered a gifted stylist, rather than a destructive force. But he may be able to change that perception in this fight.
“You’ll see more,” Booth promised. “You’re not going to see the same because Troy’s (Williamson) fight is actually still part of his rehabilitation or his evolution and understanding of himself and gaining perspective.
“If you look at Troy’s fight, it was a masterclass of movement and defense. But he is more dangerous than he is now. If you go back and look at Josh’s footage and you see him now physically there is a big difference from December. 2022 and that probably excites me the most.
“I know he can hurt. I know he’s tougher and stronger than people think, because of the style he plays.
“But also since the Troy fight, the bite that has been done in the gym and in the ring is now starting to show and I think that September 21 will be more advanced.
Josh Kelly will face the sternest test of his abilities against Liam Smith
“He’s still not going to be the finished article, I think there’s still more to come from him. But at this stage and where he’s at, I’m really excited about how he’s boxed and how he lives every day. , and how good he is landing shots now.”
Kelly’s results, so far, have not lived up to expectations for him. But Booth did not lose his belief that his responsibilities as a special fighter.
“You know a unique talent when you see it and whether that talent can fulfill its potential,” he said.
“When a talent like Josh Kelly fulfills his potential, he will rise to the highest level.”
Watch Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium live Sky Sports Box Office on September 21.
