Everything you need to know about Sunderland’s Josh Kelly return to the ring this Friday

Friday the 13th of May maybe unlucky for some but former olympian Josh Kelly will be hoping for the opposite in his first fight since his loss to Russian David Avanesyan.

Kelly has not fought since February 2020 where he handed his first pro defeat when he his head trainer Adam Booth stopped in the sixth round by throwing in the towel after constant pressure by the European champion, Avanesyan. Since then Kelly has moved up to a new weight, changed promoters and be fighting on a new TV channel here’s everything you need to know.

Kelly will be fighting Albanian Xhuljo Vrenozi. Vrenozi has an record of 18-4 being stopped three times, most recently against British Middleweight Linus Udofia who Kelly shares a card with on Friday. The Albanian has fought as high as super-middleweight (168lbs) but will challenge Kelly at his natural weight, super-welterweight (154lbs)

Since Kelly lost his perfect record he has split with promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. After the split was confirmed Kelly became heavily sought after with Sky Sports’ new promotion Boxxer rumoured to be interested. Eventually Kelly settled on Wasserman what is led by the experienced Sauerland brothers.

Wasserman who also promote fighters like fellow North-East fighter and world champion Savannah Marshall and huge name Chris Eubank Jr have also struck their first broadcast deal with Channel 5 so Kelly’s fight can be seen on free television with the broadcast beginning at 10pm.

The fight will take place in the Indingo at the 02 in London and tickets are still available through Wasserman’s website.