Ryan: Ruthless and hungry for top titles

Kelly….now campaigning at middleweight

THE second coming of “Ruthless” Ryan Kelly is upon us.

And trainer John Costello has vowed Kelly is more ruthless than ever.

The Chelmsley Wood contender was to have fought this month, but a query over his medical – now cleared – has pushed back the schedule.

Expect to see the 29-year-old back in action in May.

Kelly, who has fought as light as welter, is now competing as a middle. And since returning from a working stint in Dubai, Kelly has hit the ground running.

A talented box fighter, he looked very unlucky to lose on a split decision to unbeaten prospect Brad Pauls last  time out.

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,” said Costello.

“He could make 154lbs (light-middle) if the opportunity came along, but he’s enjoying himself at 160.

“For the Sheeraz fight, he had short notice and it became all about making weight. With more time it could’ve been a very different fight.”

Costello believes strongly in Kelly.

“I think Ryan has a British title in him,” he said. “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.

“If I did have a negative about him in the past, it was workrate. He showed a bit too much economy in rounds. We’ve worked on that.”

The game in Birmingham needs exciting – at times marauding – boxers like Kelly. And Costello’s convinced we have a major titleholder in the making.