‘Josh is one of the best’
DAVID Haye believes Josh Kelly is a future star of British boxing – and has backed him to be ready for a world title in 12 to 18 months.
The Sunderland pugilist capped off a stunning first year as a professional by recording his fifth victory in his first ten-round contest, defeating Jean Michel Hamilcaro in six rounds.
It was a big step-up for the Rio 2016 Olympian against a far more experienced IBF Mediterranean champion. And Kelly certainly caught the eye of Haye.
“Josh Kelly has looked brilliant so far – he hasn’t put a foot wrong. He really looks the part,” Haye said.
“There’s some exciting talent coming through in Britain at the moment and Josh is certainly one of best. I’m expecting big things from him, if I’m honest.
“He will be representing the North East on a world level – not domestic, not European, at world level. He’s that good.
“I’m really looking forward to watching his career unfold.
“He was meant to be on the undercard of the Bellew rematch, we really wanted him on the show because he’s so exciting.
“The North East have a genuine talent in Josh Kelly and I expect within the next year to 18 months he will be ready to fight for a world title.”
Kelly is trained by the man who was in the corner as Haye himself became a two-weight world champion – Adam Booth.
And although he no longer works with Booth, Haye believes there’s no one better at this moment for the 23-year-old.
Haye continued: “Having someone like Adam Booth in the corner – I know from experience as he guided me to a world title – he’s definitely in the best camp there.
“The performances speak for themselves and as I know Adam is a great person to guide someone like Josh to a world title.
“For him to step up to tenrounders in just his fifth fight says exactly what Booth thinks of him.”
There is a week left to buy discounted tickets for the British Lionhearts’ trip to Gateshead in the new year.
Birtley amateur stars Pat McCormack and Callum French will be part of the show at the Gateshead Leisure Centre on February 16.
Tickets are available at £15 until midnight on New Year’s Eve, before going up in price after that.