River and Ryan for the title - it’s a real thriller for the fans

Ryan Kelly…”I could not be in a better place.”

AN absolute barnstormer of a battle has been made.

Chelmsley Wood’s Ryan Kelly will face River Wilson-Bent, Coventry’s two-time English title challenger, for the vacant Commonwealth silver middleweight title.

And there should be some atmosphere when the two collide at the Holiday Inn, Queensway, Birmingham, on October 27. Both have massive fan-bases.

It’s a clash of two aggressive, talented fighters who carry power.

I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so. Back in June, I wrote: “I believe River against Ryan Kelly is a distinct possibility. Make that a probability.”

Now make that a certainty.

Kelly, aged 29, told me today: “It’s mouthwatering. There were other offers on the table and his was one of the names thrown about. I said I’d take him because I knew it would put me in a good place if I win in style – and I believe I will.”

Life inside and outside the ring is blossoming for Kelly following his return from Dubai where he worked in a gym.

“I could not be in a better place,” he told me. “My trainer John Costello has been my trainer since I was a kid.

“I believe in my ability, he believes in my ability. It’s a good fight, I know people will see it as a 50-50, but I believe it was made for me.”

In June, Kelly eased back after 13 months away from competitive boxing with comprehensive points victory over Serge Ambomo. That brought his record to 17 wins and four losses.

The defeats have come against the best.

The former Midlands light-middleweight champ looked very unlucky to lose on a split decision to unbeaten prospect Brad Pauls.

Adam Harper beat him on points for the Midlands belt, top operator Michael McKinson gained the decision down at welter.

The only real stain on his record is a stoppage loss to thunderous punching Hamzah Sheeraz – a bout he took while in Dubai. He pretty much trained himself in the country before travelling here for the contest.

“Ryan’s very strong at middle, he’s happy there,” Costello told me in a previous interview.

“I think Ryan has a British title in him. He’s a real dark horse, he’s a very, very capable fighter. I think he’s now beginning to believe what he can achieve.

“He’s very dedicated to the sport, he’s very talented and people don’t realise how very heavy handed he is.”

River Wilson-Bent…has only been beaten by the very best

Wilson-Bent, also 29, has only been beaten three times in 19 outings – and those have come at the highest level.

He fought well against former world class amateur Austin Williams before flagging and being halted in the eighth.

Tyler Denny, from Rowley Regis, took the English title with split decision victory: the pair had previously fought a controversial technical draw after River’s cuts became too severe to continue.

Last November, dangerous, heavy-handed prospect Hamza Sheeraz overwhelmed River in two with the Commonwealth title and WBC silver belt on the line.

Wilson-Bent believes he’s now a more complete fighter.

“I was always the guy who had to be the fastest, it was always a rush. Now I’m more relaxed. I’m older and wiser,” he said.

“I feel I’m getting stronger and I’m fighting wiser,” said the pin-up puncher. “I’ve learnt to box at my pace and I’ve developed a pro style.”

Fight fans have another thriller to look forward to.