Josh Kelly brutally exposed- what does he need to do next?

I hadn't seen much of Kelly before last night but after the first couple of rounds was rooting for Aveansyan, all the arrogant, cocky nonsense coming from Kelly, glad he got taught a lesson and hopefully learns some humility.

This. Back in the day fighters rarely went for European title until they'd had close to 20 fights but that's the way British boxing is going, Kelly made his pro debut 4 years ago and in that time has had 12 fights which is shocking. Inactivity is damaging the sport.

 

On the flip side how many times do we see fighters get used to easy touches then get exposed when they step up anyway?

Its all about the right fights and I will point to Josh Taylor as the best example of how to develop a fighter.

 

A lesson needs to be learned in the over hyping of fighters by promoters, managers and some fighters themselves.

Boxthing can humble even the best and quite a few of our fighters already have it in their heads early in their careers that a World Title is already in the bag after beating a few puddings.

Kelly needs to review his career to date, work out where he is lacking, work on his identified weaknesses and come back the best version he can possibly be.

That starts with significantly dropping down level of opponent, fighting 3-4 times per year and taking increasingly tougher fights until he reaches his level.

Last night will be his ceiling without change.

 

Josh Taylor is a great example of fighting increasingly difficult opponents on the way to a World Title.

He could have been found out by Davies for example or any fight after but dealt well with all adversity he faced.

Pudding after pudding does not work.

 

He needs to eat some humble pie before thinking about anything else first. He needs to quit the arrogant, showboating bollocks.
Then, get away from weirdo Booth. All his fighters fight the same, and all have same problems. He needs a new trainer.

 

Exactly had he taken a few more soft touches then stepped up the same people would be whinging he should have been tested earlier.

 

The problem is Adam Booth and Josh Kelly himself clearly thought he's as good as someone like Josh Taylor, which is why they were happy to fight someone like Avanesyan so soon. Confidence is one thing, but they way the pair of them talked they just came across as deluded. Maybe last nights dose of reality will bring their feet back to the ground, but I wouldn't hold my breath tbh.

 

They had to gamble because his gas tank is not good enough even with the perfect plan

 

Fed him to the lions.

He should have fought someone between Avanesyan and the journeymen he's been facing. Let's not forget he had that draw in US against Ray Robinson - an average fighter.

Realistically, he should have been fighting for the European title in his 18th or 19th fight.

 

I am only contributing to this discussion to share my personal view, and why I believe that the view held by Joshua is far from strange. If you have a particular view, that's fine, but it's not one that I agree with.

Out of interest, would you excuse the endorsement of a "former" serial killer, "former" ****** or "former" terrorist in the same context?

With respect, I think you're missing the point as to why myself and perhaps Joshua don't see it that way. I understand that you are on the opposite side of the fence, but the rationale to support being on my side of the fence is fairly straightforward. It is basic societal tit-for-tat.

The (very) short of it relates to justice and the reluctance to forgive such serious crimes, particularly when such crimes were allegedly on-going from behind bars, and are allegedly on-going to this day.

To say that "it's not my business" or "it is his own business" is doing a disservice to all of the victims, who as a result suffered due to the nature of a business where the more it gains, the more others suffer.

 

To be frank he was poor against Campos and Robinson. The performances in those two fights should have led his team into 2-3 more learning fights before stepping up. Like you I put it down to too much hype and arrogance to the point of being deluded.

Also 12 fights in your first 4 years as a professional, isnt at all active enough. It is the activity level of a world champion who is defending his belts, not a novice professional looking to learn and step up gradually.

 

Why are a few people supporting drug dealers ??? I promise you if a child of yours died through taking drugs you wouldn’t be on here supporting Peter Fury, there’s loads of hardworking straight coach’s in Manchester such as Joe Pennington, Gary Booth, Corolla, Arnie and many more believe me

 

Agreed

 

Excellent post