Immediately after his quick disposal of Flavius Biea, a clearly overmatched opponent, Sunderland`s Josh Kelly wasted no time in issuing a challenge for a significant domestic showdown against Conor Benn.
The super-welterweight contender maintained his perfect record last night, achieving a first-round knockout victory at the Newcastle Arena in England.
This decisive performance followed his previous bout in September, a majority decision win over Ishmael Davis, though the judges` scores in that fight didn`t fully reflect the extent to which Kelly controlled the action.
However, this time, `Pretty Boy` seemed determined to deliver a swift and clinical finish, giving Biea no opportunity to even establish his range in the fight.
A characteristic left hook from Kelly was what initially sent the Romanian fighter to the canvas. With almost two minutes remaining in the opening round, the outcome appeared certain.
Predictably, referee Reece Carter stopped the contest shortly after Biea managed to get back on his feet, allowing Kelly, now 17-1-1 with 9 knockouts, to secure a rapid victory.
Before leaving the venue, the 31-year-old fighter made sure to voice his strong interest in what is potentially the most lucrative fight option available to him.
In his post-fight interview, Kelly stated: “If it`s a big domestic fight, I want Benn.”
He added: “If he`s not the opponent, or if he doesn`t agree to that fight, then my focus will shift to a major world title opportunity.”
“I am highly ranked across all major boxing organizations – typically number four or three, and even number two in some,” Kelly explained.
“I am right there. I`ve been pushing for this for a considerable period. I`m at the peak of my career now. Just let me progress, let me progress,” he urged.
Since his loss to David Avanesyan in 2021, Kelly has steadily climbed the ranks in the 154 lbs division and is currently positioned just behind the IBF mandatory challenger, Erickson Lubin.
It may not be long before the slick and skilled boxer gets his chance to face the reigning IBF world champion, Bakhram Murtazaliev, whom many regard as one of the most formidable opponents in the super-welterweight division.
