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Home » Josh Kelly, Joe Cordina, Conor Benn see out victories at The O2

Josh Kelly, Joe Cordina, Conor Benn see out victories at The O2

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Slick British welterweight Josh Kelly showed he was levels above Przemyslaw Runowski to defend his WBA International title.

Capable of ending the fight whenever he wished, Kelly allowed Runowski to catch his breath throughout the fight and admire his work.

The first knockdown occurred in the 2nd from a Kelly left hook and Runowski took more damage as he got up until Kelly eased off.

Runowski was landing some clear shots and luckily for Kelly they didn’t trouble the Pretty Boy too much.

After being cut in the 6th round, Kelly hit with a sense of urgency. 

Being instructed by his corner, PBK entered the 7th calm and relaxed and was stretching the fight out.

Kelly came out in the 9th with an aggressive attack which forced Runowski to touch the canvas. Kelly tried to finish the job but his shots weren’t accurate enough.

Two short left hooks dropped Runowski in the 10th, Kelly kept the pressure on but the fight saw the final bell and won via points with scores of 100-88 x2 and 100-89.

It was later revealed Kelly suffered a hand injury in the mid-rounds.

Cordina
???? Ian Walton

JOE CORDINA v ANDY TOWNEND

Joe Cordina picked up the British title to add to his Commonwealth with an impressive sixth round stoppage over Andy Townend.

Cordina opened the first few rounds with a solid jab which made Townend appear uncomfortable.

Townend guarded well and struck back with a one-two combo, but Cordina was able to break through with flash combinations.

Throughout the fight, Townend appeared tailor-made for the Olympic pedigree of Cordina. The counter right hand working a treat.

Starting an assault in the sixth with an uppercut, Cordina went in throwing left hooks to drop Townend three times ending the fight at 2:51.

CONOR BENN v JOSEF ZAHRADNIK

Conor Benn improved to 14-0 with a 80-71 points victory.

Benn showed minor improvements to his armory. Also a sense of defence and a plan to land an over the top right hand.

Benn landed a couple of power counter right hands in the fourth which staggered Zahradnik. Not following it up, Benn continued to box, dip and throw shots at angles.

In the sixth, Benn again failed to follow up a big right hand which Zahradnik had time to shrug off.

Later in the round, Benn capitalised on an attack forcing Zahradnik to the ropes.

Benn launched a right to the body in the seventh which forced Zahradnik to drop to the canvas. He returned to his feet and survived to the final bell.

Chandler Waller is a staff writer for World Boxing News. Follow Chandler on Twitter @ChandlerWaller