Kelly impressed last time out, stopping tough Bulgarian Stiliyan Kostov in four rounds to claim the WBO Inter-Continental title. Kelly, now under the guidance of trainer Lee Beard, assessed his performance and life under trainer Beard.
Kelly said, “I was really happy with my performance last time out. It felt like I had come of age and to do it at the Manchester Arena made it a very special night.
“Training with Lee is great; he’s a world-class coach. That’s why the likes of American based Argenis Mendez and other top class pros come in from all over the world to train with Lee.”
Kelly gave a gutsy display when challenging Liam Smith for the World title in 2015. Despite coming up short, the Wythenshawe man reflected on the positives of his world title challenge.
He said, “Liam Smith is a great fighter and it was a pleasure to share the ring with him.
“If that fight had happened now maybe things would have been different but I learned a lot from that fight and I think learning curves like that are what can eventually get you to a world title and that’s the aim.”
The Wythenshawe Super Welterweight now has a number 6 ranking with the WBO, making him very accessible for another World title tilt in 2018. Kelly elaborated on his plans for 2018.
The highly rated Super Welterweight said, “Basically I want to get back in a World title fight in 2018, that’s the plan.
“I know my team is working hard to make things happen for me and I’m confident that I’ll be in big fights next year!”
