in

Conor Benn still eyeing Josh Kelly showdown but says welterweight rival ‘must prove he wants it’ after first career loss


CONOR BENN still fancies a Josh Kelly showdown — despite the Mackem’s painful Saturday night loss.

Sunderland’s welterweight ace was beaten up by Russia’s David Avanesyan and stopped in the sixth round.

Josh Kelly suffered a sixth-round TKO loss to David AvanesyanCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING

Josh Kelly’s coach Adam Booth mercifully threw in the towel in the sixth roundCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING

Conor Benn is still eager to face Josh KellyCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING

Kelly’s failed European shot means he has dropped drastically down the pecking order.

But the son of British ring legend Nigel knows he still has a mega-money fight on the table.

Benn said: “Kelly has got all the skill. He is naturally gifted.

“Why does he keep blowing up after four or five rounds?

“Maybe it is a weight issue, maybe he should move up a weight, because I like Kelly, I do.

“I’m gutted for him, to be honest, I really am.”

Conor Benn is still intrigued by the prospect of facing Josh KellyCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

Benn, 24, was ringside in Wembley to watch Kelly crumble at his first serious test.

He said: “Everybody knows Kelly is good for four, five, six, but when it gets past that and it gets on top of him, he folds.

“That’s what happened. Avanesyan kept applying the pressure.

“Josh will come back. He’s just got to sit down and question how much he wants it.”

Josh Kelly vs David Avanesyan – Round by Round


Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk


Tagcloud:

Arsenal 0 Man City 1 LIVE REACTION: Raheem Sterling’s early header seals 3 points for Guardiola’s side – latest updates