Troy Williamson vs. Josh Kelly & Lyndon Arthur vs. Joel McIntyre RBR.

Can't blame him. Tonight couldn't have gone better for him.

 

Kelly has very impressive foot work. 154 is kind of a weak division so maybe he can get a world title shot. for his lack of power I'd wish he'd have a snappier jab. if he can make good money off these domestic fights I do that and maybe try to get a title shot.

 

I didn't see it that way personally but there you go that's the beauty of the sport .

 

Made me laugh respectfully.

 

He did show some dip, but was able to cope with it better, partly due to Troy's pressure being less educated than Avanesyan's and partly due to smarter strategy. At the equivalent juncture to that where he began responding to ebbing energy reserves by trying to push the relentlessly advancing, smaller Avanesyan back and bully him, he was primarily just getting off first and smothering/tying up Williamson, nullifying him rather than fighting him, still firing off salvos in clinches when it suited him, but otherwise just being as relaxed as he could, keeping Troy frustrated and limiting his encouraging moments to a bare minimum.

Progress is progress, so there are positives for him to take from this one, but it showed more of a step in the right direction than a giant leap. There are still shortfalls he needs to gain ground on before he can live up to Booth's and Sauerland's post-fight proclamations.

 

I'd like to see Kelly take on someone like Culcay next

 

Good performance from Kelly. I think the scorecards were fairly accurate as I didn't see but maybe a round or two to give to Williamson.

Kelly has loads of talent and has a keen defensive radar, but he still looks susceptible to an Avanesyan-esque aggressor; someone who can make him work hard while pressing behind good technical ability. If Kelly can become more practical by realizing that a consistent jab and body punching can help in a big way, he can have a solid career. He doesn't look like a future world beater, though.

 

I've started to warm to Kelly somewhat. There's something to be said for a defeat snapping a guy out of eating up his own hype and bringing the real person out. There was something more natural and secure in the way he came across during the build-up to this one, more of an authentically confident serenity than a simulation of cocksureness. And he still expressed himself in the ring, but in a way that was more appropriate to the circumstances.

With that said, I'm not sold that he's as hungry as he should be, and I'd restate that he's got plenty still to address if he's going to seriously contend at 154. But he's easier to pull for.

The ability along with some tactical sense got him through safely and widely. A kudos for the call.

 

I like him but he needs to throw more or all his fights are going to look the same, except the better fighters will Avanesyan him

 

Agreed. He needs more to discourage guys. His power alone isn't going to do it.