KELLY KICKS OFF AT THE FORUM Popular unbeaten light-middleweight, Jimmy Kilrain Kelly, is promising a blistering hometown performance that will bring the boxing good times back to the Wythenshawe Forum on March 1, when he tops the bill on VIP Promotions first 2013 show. The youngster, 20, a former five-time junior national champion and England international, headlines a card full of North West talent at the venue, which hasnt hosted professional boxing for a number of years. Jimmy is determined to do his bit to change that situation. To top the bill in my hometown is amazing, stated Kelly, who had his first amateur bout aged 11. Ive boxed there as an amateur but there hasnt been professional boxing at The Forum for years, so to headline there in my first year as a pro is just a dream come true. Ive got two good mates on the bill [Taz Apergis and Kofi Yates] who are also from Wythenshawe; between the three of us it should be a sell-out, and Im looking forward to the atmosphere when we walk out [to the ring]. It really is going to be a brilliant show. Apart from us three, there are also a few other Manchester lads on, like [Middletons] Matthew Ryan, Jamie Brown and Liam Taylor who are very good and bring a crowd. Cruiserweight Mike Stafford is also boxing and hes a good fighter and pushing for a title, so theres going to be some really entertaining fights. "Its going to be a great atmosphere, and fingers crossed thisll become a good spot for pro boxing and we can get two or three shows here a year. Hopefully we can bring boxing back here for good. I just feel really proud to be bringing it back to Wythenshawe and hopefully itll inspire some of the local lads to take up boxing. There are high hopes for Jimmy, who has won five, with three wins coming inside the distance. A pro for just a year, its still early days but there are plenty of insiders who believe Kelly can go a long way in the sport. Happy to accept the praise but with his feet firmly of the ground, for now the fledgling fighter just wants to keep busy, stay injury-free, and develop as a boxer. With me you get lots of action, because Im a pressure fighter with a really entertaining style. Im also really accurate with my punches and thats how Ive got my stoppages. At the minute I know its all about putting the hard work in and just being patient. Im happy to keep under the radar and keep learning before getting a title. By the end of 2013 though I want to have got another three or four six-rounders under my belt and have moved up to eight rounds. By 2014 Ill be looking to push on for a title. Wythenshawe Warriors will take place at the Wythenshawe Forum on March 1. Headlining will be local fighters Jimmy Kilrain Kelly, Taz Apergis and Kofi Yates. Also appearing will be Southports Mike Stafford, and Middletons Liam Taylor, Matthew Ryan and Jamie Brown. Tickets, priced at £30 (General), £35.00 (Stage) and £50 (Ringside), are available from all boxers or at www.vipbe.co.uk Keep updated on VIP Promotions news by visiting www.vipboxing.com or follow on Twitter @vipboxing. Currently, you can also watch free fights at www.vipboxing.tv and on the VIP YouTube channel.
