I posted something on the fight thread about this last night but I think Booth escapes criticism more than most trainers. He's obviously a shrewd businessman and articulate to boot but the pre fight tactics and corner work seemed crazy. Ray Robinson was easily a few levels above anything Kelly had faced so far and away from home so you think Kelly would have been fully focused and down to business. Instead he was jerking around from the get go, didn't throw any jabs and then looked increasingly out of ideas as the fight progressed. Now most of that is Kelly's doing and there is no excuse for being that big a d*ck - at one stage he dropped his hands and let Robinson tag him. However, it's Booth job to get alot of that cr*p out of his game and he simply doesn't look to be trying to do that. One characteristic of the Booth style is lots of lateral movement. I personally hate it - it's not always great of the eye and can lead to very scrappy fights, head clashes etc. Its very tiring for the fighter and they can fade down the stretch. The biggest issue is that the style really requires the boxer to have some power (like Haye). Now Kelly doesn't have any and that's a real problem when he isn't throwing many shots and he can't keep guys off him. It felt like he barely threw a jab all night, he was lazy on the ropes and looked out of ideas after 2-3 rounds. For what its worth he definitely landed the better quality punches throughout the fight and I have no doubt he is more talented of the two fighters. But he allowed himself to get outworked. What the hell has Booth been doing with him in the gym and why didn't he give him a rocket in the fight - jab, get off the ropes, don't be a dick, you might lose this fight etc. If that had been Gallagher, McDonnell or any other unfashionable trainer they would be getting hammered.
Booth on fight, he never gives much away which is fine. My issue is that a loss from here and Kelly is on the scrap heap and yet Booth appears satisfied with the performance/result. This content is protected
A pair of absolute whallopers. Josh Kelly is a joker. You need power to box like he does. Kelly spent the entire fight on the ropes because his punches had no effect on Robinson. You need power to back up that arrogant style. Remember on NXTCan when Kelly stopped an overmatched pudding opponent with repeated left hooks and Adam Smith started creaming himsef. What an absolute cringe fest Sky and Matchroom boxing coverage really is. And now you see why they shat it from Avanesyan.
Kelly is in serious danger of being one of those extremely talented amateurs that just don’t transfer to the professional ranks. He’s throwing single shots and his opponents are not respecting his power. His hands are by his sides so his shots, particularly his jab is coming up from his waist so it’s a jab that is just flicked out. He can’t generate any power throwing a shot like that. When you look at how Booth got the likes of Groves and Haye using their jab, it’s embarrassing watching Kelly’s. If he just worked on improving his jab, and throwing it with variety and menace he wouldn’t have to burn loads of gas with his lateral movement.
Taking away the criticism from Booth and Kelly, justfyably so in my opinion. He made some interesting comments there. Something going on behind the scenes that day/night which he won’t comment on. Also that he’ll won’t be fighting again in New York. Make of that what you will. It was a really weird night.
Can't see why there would be any conspiracy to get Ray Robinson to win that fight, 5 fights deep on an undercard. Booth needs to focus on being a better trainer.
Well Josh is from my home town, despite his arrogance in the ring he is a good humble kid, but i've thought from day one that he'll struggle with the style when he steps up. Robinson wasn't a massive step up but a higher level and Kelly's flaws were already evident. Add the lack of power and I just can't see him going much further. Hope i'm wrong but i just can't see it.
Can someone give me a decent rundown of the fight? Only fight I haven't managed to catch on the card..
He gave himself the moniker 'Pretty Boy Kelly'. Shacked up with some dollybird and had a baby already. Parades the both of them around on his Instagram as some sort power couple. What did you guys expect when he came up against a real test...? He's like many a fighter. Enjoys the lifestyle that comes with being a boxer, more than boxing itself.
