IBF super welterweight world champion Josh Kelly has shared a cryptic post via Instagram about a potential Stadium of Light homecoming
Josh Kelly (18-1-1, 9ko’s) is the UK’s newest world champion.
Sunderland born, Kelly had a decorated amateur career, making it to the Olympics.
Nicknamed as ‘pretty boy’, Kelly was tipped to go to the top from the very start of his professional career.
However, a defeat to David Avanesyan (31-5-1, 19ko’s) in 2021 left the critics questioning Kelly’s future at the top of the sport.
Now back with Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn, Kelly had his crowning moment in January.
The avoided Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-1, 17ko’s) was defeated by Kelly via a majority decision.
Now the IBF super welterweight champion of the world, a homecoming fight at his beloved home of Sunderland Football Club is at the top of the wishlist.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has declared that he has had positive discussions with the football club who are keen to stage this spectacle in the summer.
The 154lbs ranks are stacked with high level names.
Current unified champion Xander Zayas (23-0, 13ko’s) is believed to be the frontrunner.
However, with Matchroom’s very own Jaron Ennis (35-0, 32ko’s) no longer fighting Vergil Ortiz Jr (24-0, 22ko’s), this is a very realistic next move.
With career long trainer Adam Booth, team Kelly are more confident than ever.
Official fight news is pending, but Kelly has published a cryptic message via his Instagram story.
The story involves a speech bubble stating:
“Stadium of light next, Sunderland/North East’s biggest show ever”.
Sunderland’s first season back in the Premier League is set to in late May, with the team exceeding expectations and flirting with European football.
A summer homecoming for Kelly could cap off a wonderful year for sport in Sunderland.
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