BACK in December it appeared as though Josh Kelly had made a breakthrough. Boxing for 12 rounds smoothly and confidently as he has so far as a pro, he coped with the pressure of fighting in Newcastle superbly, outscoring local north-east rival Troy Williamson. His reward was the British super-welterweight title previously held by Williamson. Many who had previously fled his bandwagon following a loss against David Avanesyan crawled their way back towards it, with humble pie spread all around their mouth.
It is unfortunate that despite his brilliant performance that night, Kelly is back again this Saturday (July 15) in a fight lacking the meaning and excitement of the last one. He will face unknown Argentine Gabriel Corzo, who will be making his first appearance outside his homeland. This could be a red flag, as Corzo has only recorded three stoppages among his 18 wins despite his impressive pro record.
However, it’s not to say Corzo can’t fight or punch, nor is it to say he won’t be one of those unknown South Americans who causes an unexpected upset in Britain. But on paper, Corzo represents the kind of opponent Kelly would have fought between Avanesyan and Williamson when rebuilding his confidence and reputation. Ideally, he wouldn’t be the opponent that Kelly should face to build on his recent momentum.
Nevertheless, the fight is made, and Kelly’s biggest danger here may be complacency, of which he has been a victim in the past. Unlike the Williamson fight, this one lacks the same buildup, expectation, and danger that could lead to problems for Kelly, the expected winner.
Kelly, at 13-1-1 (7), has been matched tough as a pro and has received lessons and experience as a result. He has matured quickly as a boxer and as a man. His skills shine brightest when he faces a threat or when his back is against the wall, as it was against Williamson. That night, many feared for him, and many picked against him, yet Kelly was fired up and imperious from round one, proving too quick and clever for his comparatively straightforward opponent.
The same could be said for his upcoming fight, despite not having been sounded yet. Corzo should not present anything Kelly hasn’t already encountered and overcome. Moreover, given Corzo’s lack of power, Kelly should target this fight as an opportunity to make a statement with an early stoppage.
On the Newcastle undercard, there will be a more competitive fight between super-featherweights Qais Ashfaq and Liam Dillon for the vacant British title.
Ashfaq, 12-1 (5), has won five fights in a row since his only loss against Marc Leach in 2020, although three of those beaten opponents had losing records. His best win was a fourth-round stoppage against Ash Lane. Dillon, on the other hand, is unbeaten at 12-0-1 (3) and won the English super-featherweight title with a 10-round majority decision over Dennis Wahome in 2021. His only blemish was a 10-round split draw against Youssef Khoumari.
Outside of the title action, there will be opportunities for flyweight prospect Chloe Watson and heavyweight Steve “Drago” Robinson in Newcastle.
Finally, Troy Williamson, the former British super-welterweight champion, will face Ramiro Blanco, a journeyman from Nicaragua.