'Still proud of you' - Sunderland rallies around Josh Kelly and questions Eddie Hearn after David Avanesyan fight

Josh Kelly bleeding after his loss to David Avanesyan.

Fans of Josh Kelly have rallied around the fighter after he was stopped by David Avanesyan on Saturday night.

The Sunderland-born welterweight was dropped twice by the Russian in the sixth round before trainer Adam Booth threw in the towel.

Reacting to the fight on the Sunderland Echo’s Facebook page, many fight fans questioned the wisdom of Kelly’s promoter Eddie Hearn in matching against such a strong opponent in just his 12th professional fight.

Avanesyan, 32, once defeated hall of fame fighter and three-weight world champion Shane Mosely, and is now knocking on the door for a world title shot after retaining his European strap.

For now at least, Kelly’s dream of a fight at the Stadium of Light is now over.

The reaction to Kelly and his performance, however, was overwhelmingly positive from the people of Sunderland.

Here’s what you said on Facebook:

Trevor Lynn: “Proud of him for stepping up fought well but other boxer was more experienced.”

Josh Kelly with his Adam booth trainer after the loss.

Mick Prescott: “He'll bounce back there's no shame in losing to a world-class fighter.”

Martin Cutter: “He’s massive for welterweight maybe he should move up a weight class. He has all the skill but by the 5th round he was gassed. And I can’t see him competing with the top welterweights like Spence, Crawford, Thurman etc.”

Shaun Glenwright: “A fight that was maybe too soon for him and one he will learn from. He will be back.”

Linda Blackwell: “Still proud of you.”

David Avanesyan with Josh Kelly after their contest.

Micky Heskett: “Win lose or draw city should be proud of him.”

Graham Hill: “Shame. Was a big step up. I don't understand the tactics at all though. Trying to back Ava up was ridiculous, never ever going to work. Josh doesn't carry enough pop. Should have used his jab more and stuck and moved. Got dragged into a fight and got blown out and gassed far too quickly. Back to the drawing board."

Ian Wilkinson: “Another fighter used as a pawn by the Hearn.”

Liam Peverley: “Too soon for me being pushed, Eddie Hearn only doing it cause he gets views.”

Joe Jones: “Still win lose or draw we are proud of him.”