Kelly v Wilson-Bent: The game has its say
Poster for tomorrow’s sell-out super-showdown
THE mega fight is only a day away.
On Friday, Chelmsley Wood’s Ryan Kelly and River Wilson-Bent, from Coventry, meet for the vacant Commonwealth silver title.
The setting – Birmingham city centre’s Holiday Inn – is a sell-out. The match has sparked excitement across the west and east Midlands.
Who wins? We put it to the experts…
Scott Murray (with prospect Niall Farrell)….”River can win on points”
Scott Murray, head of Cannock’s Excelsior Sporting Club: “River on points. It’s a great fight, a brilliant fight and if River can get the distance and keep it, he wins on points.”
Craig Cunningham, Birmingham’s former top middleweight contender: “It’s a 50-50 fight. I’ve known Ryan for a long time and he’ll be on it for this one. He has the bit between his teeth and River has been in some tough fights. It’s close, but I say Ryan.”
Edwin Cleary, former pro, boss of Leamington’s Clearys Boxing gym, pro trainer of Danny Quartermaine: “I’m going for River because I think he has the edge in experience. As Brendan Ingle used to say, you can’t beg, borrow or pretend to have experience.”
Sean Davis…”I’m genuinely on the fence”
Sean Davis, Hockley’s former super-bantam champ: “I’m really on the fence. I genuinely do think it’s a 50-50 fight, it’s down to what you like, a real ‘pick em’ fight. I think it’s going to be a barnstormer. They both like a fight, they are both talented fighters. It should be a cracker, it’s a shame it’s not on a TV bill.”
Jason Lowe, MC, referee, trainer, co-founder of Birmingham’s award-winning Women’s Boxing Club: “Contrary to opinion, I think it may not be a great fight. I can see both being cautious early on. River Wilson-Bent likes to set himself up for big punches, he likes to line them up.
“Ryan just beats him, but I can’t see either producing the punches for a stoppage. I think Ryan will put everything into this fight, he’ll go all out.”
Derek Fitzpatrick, head of Fitzpatrick’s gym in Leamington and pro trainer: “It’s been called a 50-50 fight, but the vibe I’m getting back is more 60-40 in Ryan’s favour.
“I hope River does it because he’s my friend, River has opened a lot of doors for me in boxing. Is this going to be a new River or is it naïve to jump into a big fight with such a new training team? I don’t know. I haven’t seen enough of Ryan to give you an honest answer, but I’m Team River.”
MJ Hall…”Kelly has the edge in deep rounds”
MJ Hall, Brierley Hill’s undisputed king of the journeymen: “It’s an interesting one. I think Kelly has the edge in experience of deep rounds. I think experience might be key. If it goes past the middle, I think Kelly gets him out of there late. I can’t see it being anything other than a barnstormer, I can only see it being entertaining from the first bell.”
Tristan Davies, father and trainer of European super-bantam champ Liam Davies: “Do you know what? If I was a betting man, I’d probably put a tenner on a draw. I like both lads, they both have a point to prove. It all depends on how much River has left. It all depends on Ryan’s workrate on the night. This is a real 50-50 fight, which is good.”
Paul Holt (right)…”I can see Kelly putting it on him”
Paul Holt, former Midlands champ and part of the famous Holt boxing family: “I boxed Kelly in the amateurs, one of my last bouts. He has a very, very nice style. River is taller. I have to favour Kelly, I think he’s going to give it 100,000 per cent.
“I can see Kelly putting it on him, possibly winning by late stoppage, but don’t hold me to that. I hope the fight exceeds or matches the hype, I hope they don’t cancel each other out.”