Kelly lands crack at Commonwealth title

Kelly and Costello…Ryan meets Kieron Conway this month

MARAUDING Chelmsley Wood middleweight Ryan Kelly has been given the chance to clinch the Commonwealth title.

“Ruthless” Ryan will face Kieron Conway for the vacant belt on the huge November 30 show at Resorts World. Birmingham’s Galal Yafai headlines in a world flyweight title fight with Sunny Edwards.

But Kelly-Conway is a fantastic encounter, a five star clash.

Ryan, who has faced the very best, gained the silver Commonwealth strap by outpointing River Wilson-Bent in a bout named Midlands fight of the year.

The 30-year-old (19-4-1) last fought in June when he was held to a draw by Gerome Warburton, with the silver belt on the line.

In Northampton’s Conway, he faces a man with championship pedigree. Kieron, aged 28, drew with Ted Cheeseman for the British light-middleweight title and has beaten top men such as Macaulay McGowan, James Metcalf and Linus Udofia. He’s lost three of 25 (one draw).

Kelly’s trainer John Costello stressed they were already training for a big fight when the Conway call came. This is not a short notice job.

“This isn’t a case of being given four-and-a-half weeks notice,” said Costello. “We were training for a December 6 return with Jerome Warburton.

“Ryan under-performed against Warburton last time and was itching to get it on again. In fairness (Warburton’s team) have been good as gold. They understand.”

The Conway battle is another mouthwatering match for fans.

“This is what Ryan is in boxing for,” Costello said. “He has never shied away from any challenge. Kieron Conway is a good fighter, you have to give him credit.

“I believe Ryan 100 per cent beats him. I’ve said it before, I believe in Ryan. I’ve seen things in the gym and believe people will see the best version of Ryan Kelly in this fight.

“He is physically very strong and he hits a lot harder than people think he does.

“He and Kieron, I think there are similarities. In some fights, Ryan has switched off and coasted. I think Kieron is like that. He likes to coast and he’s not going to get to do that.

“He’s a good fighter, but we took the fight because we think it’s a fight we can win. It’s where Ryan wants to be, prove himself at that top level then move on again.

“This is the opponent. This is the opponent he is aiming for, he is excited and we will leave no stone unturned.”