Sunderland Commonwealth champion Josh Kelly: 'If he comes to fight, it's going to be a good night'

Sunderland boxing superstar Josh Kelly hopes David Avanesyan comes to fight - if so, the Commonwealth welterweight champion knows it will play right into his hands.
Josh Kelly has his ninth pro bout on Saturday.Josh Kelly has his ninth pro bout on Saturday.
Josh Kelly has his ninth pro bout on Saturday.

Kelly provides one of the main supports on a stacked card of boxing down in Sheffield tomorrow night, with Kell Brook against Michael Zerafa providing the main event.

And Kelly, back out after just four weeks rest, thinks there could be fireworks against the Russian former world title challenger.

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"I feel Saturday night I want to go in there and put a performance on," Kelly told Sky Sports.

"I need someone to come and really try to take my head off - that's why I am here.

"When I get in the ring, a lot of people want to take my head off, because I look like an arrogant sort of guy, but I've got a switch when I go into the ring. I'm not the same guy outside as I am in."

Kelly takes on experienced campaign Avanesyan, trained in Nottinghamshire by Carl Greaves, despite this being only his ninth professional bout.

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Avanesyan went the full 12 rounds with Lamont Peterson, losing his WBA title challenge on points in 2017.

"It's been four weeks since the last fight, so I've had a quick turnaround and I'm feeling fresh," said Kelly, who last time out scored a KO of Walter Fabian Castillo in Manchester.

"If he comes to fight, it's going to be a good night, and a night to enjoy.

"When this fight happens, when the decision gets made, then I think a lot of people will be surprised the way the fight has went.

"Stylistically I'm ready for this sort of fight. It's the typical boxer against a fighter. If he comes to fight, it's going to be a good night, and a night to enjoy."