Josh Kelly takes on Australian Kris George in what could be an explosive clash between an up-and-coming talent and a more experienced campaigner.

The Briton fights on the undercard of Lewis Ritson’s clash with Paul Hyland Jr at Newcastle’s Metro Arena.  Kelly, or ‘Pretty Boy’, is gearing up for just his seventh professional bout but already he is making a name for himself as one of the hottest prospects in British boxing.  The 24-year-old won his debut bout via points and then won four in a row with stoppages before coming up against Carlos Molina.

Taking on the former IBF title holder looked a massive ask for Kelly in just his sixth fight, but he looked more than comfortable as he claimed the WBA international welterweight title, winning on all three judges’ scorecards.

Kelly, who is guided by David Haye’s former trainer Adam Booth, puts that title on the line and will look to add George’s Commonwealth belt to his collection in a clash that is a step into the unknown for both men.

George has never fought outside of his homeland and most of his bouts have taken place in his hometown of Toowoomba.  The 28-year-old is the massive underdog at 14.00 but he can draw inspiration from another Toowoomba boxing star in Michael Katsidis, who caused an upset with a devastating stoppage of Kevin Mitchell in London eight years ago.

George is the more experienced of the two men despite his lack of travelling, as he has contested 15 fights so far, with 14 wins –eight inside the distance – and one loss, via points to China’s Can Xu back in 2015.

For Kelly, this will be the first time he has been involved in a 12-round contest but he looked to have plenty left in the tank after 10 against Molina, so that shouldn’t be a massive concern if he is taken into the later rounds.

Kelly is the huge favourite at 1.00 so it might be worth looking at the group-round betting market, with Kelly to win in rounds 4-6 at 4.30 or in 7-9 at 3.90

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