Josh Kelly Targets World Title Fights Against Taller Opponents
Professional boxer Josh Kelly has revealed his ambitions to fight for a world title against champions taller than England’s number one goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford. Kelly, who stands at 5ft 10in, has his sights set on WBC and WBO champion Sebastian Fundora, who towers over him at 6ft 6in.
According to The Sun, Kelly spent two years in Sunderland’s academy, where he played alongside Pickford, before deciding to focus on his boxing career. Kelly told The Northern Echo, "I was in the academy from 11 until I was about 13. I was in and out of the academy and development centre. I remember playing in one training game and Pickford was in goal! I did well."
Kelly’s decision to pursue boxing full-time proved to be a successful one, as he went on to represent Great Britain at World and European level as an amateur. He qualified for the 2016 Olympics but was eliminated in the second round by Daniyar Yeleussinov of Kazakhstan. Kelly then turned professional in 2017 and quickly established himself as one of the most promising talents in world boxing.
However, Kelly’s career hit a few bumps along the way, including a draw against unknown American Ray Robinson in 2019 and a loss to David Avanesyan two years later. Despite this, Kelly has rebuilt his career, moving up from welterweight to light-middleweight, where he won the British title.
Kelly is now targeting Fundora, who recently beat Tim Tszyu to win the WBO title and the vacant WBC belt. The Sun reports that Kelly believes he has a good chance of beating Fundora, saying, "Tall; awkward; readable; I feel like he’s readable; he’s a freak as well."
Kelly also has his sights set on other big-name fights, including against Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, following their grudge match in April. Benn, 28, moved up from welterweight for the fight but was beaten by Eubank, 35, after 12 thrilling rounds.
In his next fight, Kelly will face 24-1 Romanian Flavius Biea in Newcastle on Friday. However, Kelly’s long-term goal is to secure a world title fight against a champion like Fundora. As The Sun reports, Kelly said, "Well, Benn or Eubank or someone like that would be cool. So, just big fights – just ones that will get people talking, ones that will get people excited, ones where you get excited."
As reported by The Sun, Kelly’s ambitions are clear, and he will be looking to make a statement in his upcoming fight against Biea. With his sights set on world title fights against taller opponents, Kelly will be one to watch in the world of boxing.
It is understood, via The Sun that Kelly has had a decorated amateur career and will look to make a name for himself in the world of professional boxing.
Kelly’s determination and focus on his career have seen him rise through the ranks, and he will be looking to continue his success in the ring. As reported by The Sun, Kelly’s next fight will be a crucial one, and he will be looking to make a statement against Biea.
For more information visit: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/35256159/josh-kelly-jordan-pickford-fight-anthony-joshua/
