Josh Kelly pushing for world ranking with title shot
Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) will be counting on the support of the North East to get him over the line when he competes against Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) for the WBO International Super Welterweight Championship on Saturday July 30 at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, free-to-air and live on Channel 5.
This is an unbelievable chance for one of these fighters to break into the world rankings with the WBO. After a dominant performance against Peter Kramer, Kelly will look to carry that confidence to cement himself into the world rankings.
Alongside the reward of a world ranking also comes big fights. With the division being held up by undisputed champion Jermell Charlo, Kelly will be looking to reintroduce himself dramatically onto the global scene of the super welterweight division.
Now Kelly not only has the thrill of fighting in front of his own, but a title on the line certainly adds any final elements of motivation needed. Having been given the news, Kelly was elated and confident that this was only the start of big things to come.
“I'm buzzing, and I’m ready. There's no reason to sugar-coat the fact that my opponent will be putting even more into training to come and try to cause an upset,” said Kelly. “We are covering all bases in camp, and when you have world title aspirations you make sure you're preparing like a world champion.”
He continues, “The WBO belt adds that additional spice to things, and it's about me going out there and being Josh Kelly that will see it leaving the arena with me in front of my friends and family. We are the North East, and we don't do things in half-measures. On fight night, i'll be there to push the pace and show why this will be the first belt of many.”
Bastida will be providing a very real threat to the title aspirations of Sunderland’s ‘PBK’. At 25-years-old the Argentine has had additional rounds, but holds a similar record to Kelly in only having one loss and one draw on his record. The narrow margins between the fighters guarantee a technical and excellent battle between two men looking to give it all to claim the belt and move on to endless possibilities in their next fight.
The WBO International title now on the line was the same one that forner world champion Liam Smith went to Russia to win against Magomed Kurbanov, who was controversially gifted the decision and the belt in May 2021. WBO middleweight king Demetrius Andrade is also a former holder (2015).
After two hugely successful terrestrial television shows, the announcement of a title promises to entertain all those in attendance at the Vertu Motors Arena as well as the Channel 5 audience. Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, expressed his delight for Kelly and the doors it could open to get the North East boy back where he belongs.
“Josh Kelly fighting for titles feels like one of the most natural things in boxing,” said Sauerland. “His pedigree and his ability rightfully have him fighting for the WBO International belt when we blow the roof off the Vertu Motors Arena. This will stick Josh's name exactly where it belongs and sets up an exciting future where massive fights can be made for our former Olympian. Newcastle, be ready!”
The North East takeover is coming as Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) vs. Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) headline on an electric fight night. Olympic hero Pat McCormack (1-0, 1 KO) also stars, alongside Harlem Eubank (14-0, 6 KOs) as he continues his title charge against Tom ‘Fazza’ Farrell (21-5, 5 KOs). Heavyweights Hosea Stewart (2-0) and Franklin Ignatius (3-0, 1 KO) guaranteed to produce fireworks amongst top local talent such as Mark Dickinson (3-0, 1 KO), ‘Drago’ Steve Robinson (4-1, 3 KOs), Kai Richmond (1-0), Ben Marksby (4-0), Lisa Whiteside (3-0, 1KO) and Jordan Barker-Porter (3-1) on an unforgettable night in the North East. Wasserman Boxing heads to the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle for a massive night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday July 30, live on Channel 5 in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.
Tickets priced £40, £80, £100 and £200 are on sale now and available via www.wassermanboxing.com
Things you didn't know about Josh Kelly next opponent, Lucas Bastida
