Kelly knows he must beat Davis to stay in top title contention
Ryan Kelly…countdown to major fight. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB
RYAN Kelly knows his fight with Ishmael Davis on April 19 is a pivotal moment in his career, writes PAUL WEBB.
A victory is essential if he wants to remain at boxing's elite level - and he has left no stone unturned in preparation for the light-middleweight title eliminator in Sheffield.
For the Chelmsley Wood fighter, 2024 was his most active year since 2018, culminating in a narrow split decision loss to Kieron Conway in November. The closely contested bout saw judge Mark Lyson score it in favour of the 31-year-old, 115-114. But Lee Every (116-112) and Kevin Parker (115-113) awarded the fight to Conway. Boxing can be a rollercoaster and Kelly has been rewarded with another significant opportunity on a major bill - not all losses are detrimental. Davis, too, enters this fight following setbacks.
The Yorkshire native had amassed 13 consecutive wins before a close defeat to Josh Kelly at Wembley Stadium in September, followed by a stoppage loss to Serhii Bohachuk in Saudi Arabia. Both Davis and Kelly are acutely aware that another defeat could severely derail their ambitions.
“I've rewatched the Conway fight numerous times, trying to see where I possibly went wrong. Honestly, I felt I edged it," Kelly said. "When you're facing the home fighter, it often feels like you need a knockout to secure the win.
“Eddie Hearn told me afterwards I'd kick myself when I watched it back and I understand what he meant. At times I think I settled for single shots and admired my work instead of stringing combinations together.
“I need to unleash my hands more - that's the primary lesson from my last fight and what we've focused on in the gym. I also believe there needs to be more urgency, both from myself and my corner. There's no point in thinking I've won a round when I haven't, so I've asked John (Costello) to be brutally honest and if I didn't do enough, I want to know about it."
“When the possibility of a fight in April or May came about (BCB Promotions boss) Errol (Johnson) called John, who then informed me and I immediately accepted. No hesitation. Everyone is dangerous with 10oz gloves, but I've faced higher-calibre opponents than Davis has.”
With Davis hailing from Leeds, Kelly is aware he’s very much the away fighter at the Canon Medical Arena – and he’s relishing the prospect.
He said: “I haven't been to the venue yet, but I've heard it's like a cauldron and it'll be packed. Due to the names on the card, I only secured a small allocation of tickets, but my fans will be loud and it's not the first time I've faced a hostile crowd. I'll be ready to perform, regardless of whether it's 3,000 people or 30.”
A victory would put Kelly at the front end of the queue to face British champion Sam Gilley – and also seal other slots on TV stadium shows.
As yet, a major title has eluded "Ruthless", who captured the Midlands light-middle and Commonwealth silver belts. As he enters his 10th year as a professional, the championship aspirations remain undiminished.
He said: “Money follows belts, but it's not my primary motivation. I wouldn't box for free, but there are easier ways to make a living. I feel like I've underachieved in some ways - I should have more belts.
“However, I believe I can still win those bigger titles, especially with the support of major promoters and a great team. The money follows the belts. Errol Johnson is the best manager in the country, always available to speak to, and John dedicates endless hours to my training and sparring. I've had to persevere through setbacks, but I've kept taking risks and now the rewards are coming.”
*The stacked Matchroom bill is headlined by Dalton Smith against Mathieu Germain and features former world champion Josh Warrington against Asad Asif Khan. Another BCB boxer, Kane Baker from Birmingham, is on the show against Giorgio Visiolo.