WOUNDED Josh Kelly says the outpouring of support from his Sunderland home will help him bounce back from Saturday’s bloody loss.
The 26-year-old was pulled out of his welterweight European title clash with champ David Avanesyan after six punishing rounds.
The father of two has now suffered a draw and a defeat in two of his last three fights and has probably lost out on a big-money clash with rapidly improving Conor Benn.
But the Adam Booth-trained ace says he will bounce back with help from the Black Cats.
He said: “The support I’ve received, not just before this fight but after, has blown me away. Some of the messages and phone calls have been so deep.
“When setbacks happen in your life it shows who’s really there for you and on your side through thick or thin and this has shown me how many people care for me as a person, not just a boxer
“The support from around the country and the world has been another level but the support from Sunderland has been above and beyond and I’m truly proud to come from such a strong, small city that shows it’s hard character again and again
“I gave it my all in there, another experience I take on this journey in life, beaten by a better man on the night and that’s that.”
Benn is concerned the much-talked about tear-up with Kelly will never happen as he reckons the 5ft 10in needs to move up a weight class.
The Destroyer says it is an open secret that Kelly flags after four rounds and he believes that is down to his battle to make 10st 7lbs before the first bell even rings.
“I definitely think he has to move up in weight,” Benn said.
“He’s either struggling to do the weight or he has the worst engine known to man, because what fighter keeps blowing up after four rounds?
“I was gutted for him, he is so talented and gifted for the first four rounds but then he tires, that’s probably down to his weight cut or not doing enough running.
“This isn’t MMA, where you can get on the floor and grapple. It’s not so focused on size, you need your speed, agility and fitness.”
