Pretty Boy is back! - Josh Kelly to face Gabriel Corzo on June 24 in Newcastle
WBO International and British super welterweight champion Josh 'Pretty Boy' Kelly will look to continue his charge towards world honours when he faces the unbeaten Gabriel Corzo at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, England. The fight will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.
Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: “Josh Kelly is ready to take on the world and everyone at Wasserman Boxing is thrilled to team up with DAZN on his journey to the top.
“We all watched in awe at Josh’s display against Troy Williamson late last year, where he showed, over 12 faultless rounds, just how gifted he is.
“The unbeaten and dangerous Corzo is up next on June 24 in Newcastle, but Josh Kelly, ranked No2 in the world, is an exceptional talent and I strongly believe we are going to see something extra special, live on DAZN.”
Kelly [13-1-1, 7 KO’s], a native of Sunderland in the north east of England, is a former amateur star and Olympian who was touted for big things in the professional ranks since his debut back in 2017. His hands down, fast, reflex-based style made him an exciting watch for fans worldwide. The promising career trajectory of Kelly looked to be derailed, however, when he could only manage a draw against the tricky Ray Robinson, and was then stopped by European champion David Avanesyan within a three fight spell. Despite suffering the first defeat of his career against Avanesyan, Kelly has rebounded excellently, winning three consecutive fights, culminating in a masterful display against Troy Williamson back in December to win the famous British title at 154lbs courtesy of a wide unanimous decision against his domestic rival. Now, holding a world ranking of 2 with the WBO, Kelly knows that another victory against the very capable Corzo will leave him on the brink of a shot at world glory against the current undisputed super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo.
Josh Kelly said: “A win over Corzo on June 24 in Newcastle will put me within touching distance of a shot at the world title.
“I'm thrilled to be teaming up with DAZN and fully intend on producing a stellar performance that will be seen around the world on their platform.
“Corzo is ranked No.9 in the world and is a good fighter, but I am going to deliver a display that makes the rest of the division sit up and take note. You don't want to miss this one."
The man looking to fulfil his own world title ambitions, Argentina Gabriel Corzo [18-0, 3 KO’s], has compiled an unblemished record since his professional debut in 2016. All of his outings have taken place in his native homeland, and the highlight of his career to date is winning the WBO Latino super welterweight title against Walter Fabian Castillo last August. Corzo will be a significant underdog when he enters the ring in Newcastle this summer, however he will be confident in springing the upset and overtaking Kelly in the queue for a shot at all the belts.
Gabriel Corzo said: “Make no mistake, on June 24 in Newcastle, Josh Kelly’s world title dream ends and mine gets closer to being a reality.
“I am not travelling all the way from Argentina to make up the numbers. I want my shot at the world title and Kelly is standing in my way of that, so he must be moved aside.
“I hope Kelly’s fans are prepared for the upset that is coming.”