Josh Kelly Faces Off Against Jordan Pickford, Sets Sights on Title Fight with ‘Freak’ Champion as Tall as Anthony Joshua
JOSH KELLY once took to the field alongside Jordan Pickford, but now he is dedicated to seizing world titles against rivals who may even surpass the goalkeeper in height.
Kelly invested two years in Sunderland’s academy before his departure, facing challenges in balancing his obligations to both football and boxing.
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Nonetheless, the devoted Black Cats fan understands that the outcome was likely advantageous, as he has flourished in the boxing arena after shifting his focus from football.
In an interview with The Northern Echo, he remarked, “I was part of the academy from ages 11 to 13, and there were times I was in and out of the academy and development center.
“I recall a training match where Pickford was in goal! I performed well.
“I believe I could have succeeded in football, but while trying to make weight for boxing, I didn’t grow as fast as many others, which eventually led me to commit fully to boxing.”
“Managing both was quite demanding. I had a short spell with Hartlepool. Balancing both sports was a challenge.
“I can remember conversations with my dad about how many players were ahead of me in development, while I was struggling to keep my weight for boxing and control my diet. I realized I had to choose a path.”
“Once I started boxing for England and began traveling, it felt like a natural progression.”
As an amateur, Kelly found considerable success, representing Great Britain at various World and European contests.
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He secured a spot in the 2016 Olympics but was eliminated in the second round by Daniyar Yeleussinov from Kazakhstan.
Kelly turned professional in 2017 and quickly garnered attention as one of boxing’s most promising talents, recognized for his exceptional speed and combo punches.
Josh Kelly vows to KO Conor Benn and slams Chris Eubank Jr in double call out
However, following a draw against the lesser-known American Ray Robinson in 2019 and a loss to David Avanesyan two years later, concerns about Kelly’s future in boxing arose.
Gradually, he re-established himself, moving from welterweight to light-middleweight, ultimately claiming the British title.
Now, Kelly has set his sights on top names in the 154lb division—quite literally—aiming to challenge the towering 6ft 6in WBC and WBO champion, Sebastian Fundora.
He stated to BoxingScene, “Tall; awkward; readable; I feel he’s predictable; he’s also a freak.”
Even weighing in at the 11 stone limit, Fundora stands as tall as the 18 stone Anthony Joshua.
Recently, Fundora triumphed over Tim Tszyu, securing both the WBO title and the vacant WBC belt.
Kelly is also eyeing fights with Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn following their notable clash in April.
In that bout, Benn, 28, moved up from welterweight only to be overpowered by Eubank, 35, in a thrilling 12-round contest.
Kelly is set to return to the ring on Friday in Newcastle to face the 24-1 Romanian fighter Flavius Biea.
He shared, “A matchup with Benn, Eubank, or a contender of their level would be exhilarating.
“I’m looking for major fights—ones that excite fans and generate energy, where I can also experience the thrill.”
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