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Home » Exclusive: Josh Kelly talks North East return, Kris George clash

Exclusive: Josh Kelly talks North East return, Kris George clash

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Kelly, who was a RIO 2016 Olympian is looking to pick up the first major title of his pro career when he faces off against Australian – Kris George for the Commonwealth title.

Last time out Kelly fought on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s successful heavyweight unification bid against Joseph Parker in Cardiff in March; outclassing Mexican veteran Carlos Molina, en route to a comfortable points decision.

Speaking to World Boxing News about his next opponent, Kelly said: “I’ve been looking at him (George) for a few weeks, I’ve watched bits of him, he’s quite tough and he’s quite raw; a typical Australian, I think it might go the 12 rounds and I’ll show him how to box.”

This will be Kelly’s first major show in his native North-East, where he will be sharing the top of the bill with fellow local lad Lewis Ritson.

“It’s surreal coming back to the North-East to be honest; to come back here and have this amount of support even in the press conference it’s another level.

“I know for a fact me and the rest of the lads from the North East can bring it all back and the next step is the Commonwealth title on the 16th of June.” Kelly said.

Kelly is from the Sunderland area of the North-East whereas fellow co-headliner Ritson is from Newcastle, two cities who share a huge, intense rivalry when it comes to football, but Kelly doesn’t see this being the case on June 16th.

“100% football goes out the window when boxing comes, everyone from the north-east has had to fight hard their whole lives and the rivalry goes out the window when it comes to boxing, we are all fighting men.” Kelly concluded.

Thomas Davison is a staff writer for World Boxing News. Follow Thomas on Twitter @thomasdavison93