Josh Kelly returns to his best form in an overwhelming win over Troy Williamson
Josh Kelly won on points over Troy Williamson in a North East grudge where he was crowned the British Super Welding Champion.
In the red corner, Kelly picked up two wins after a derailed and heavily damaged loss to David Avanesyan in early 2021. Across the wing was Williamson – undefeated as a pro and coming in. ring with 14 kills after 19 wins.
The boos were loud enough for both men so it was hard to tell who had the most support from the locals. The bell for the 73rd British Welterweight Championship has sounded.
Kelly started well, hands low as they felt each other. His pace quickly surpassed Williamson and the champion looked a bit stunned the first time around. It was a clear lap and a great start for ‘Pretty Boy’, whose quick feet took him out of range. Even so, Williamson is known for two things – starting slow and weathering storms.
FLY starts with Josh Kelly 💥🥊
Clock #WilliamsonKelly live on @channel5_tv @SauerlandBros | @WassermanBoxing | @WilliamHillpic.twitter.com/noVFSjJ9s4
– Channel 5 Sports (@Channel5Sport) December 2, 2022
The challenger remained standing – almost swaggering – between rounds as Adam Booth gave his instructions. Williamson started with the front foot in the second minute, but the difference in speed was obvious. Kelly is looking for big uppercuts – his best tool throughout – and has had some success.
A pattern developed in the third inning and continued for much of the battle – Kelly invited Williamson to continue, dodging anything that got in his way and returning fire with cynical shots. If he is hit, Kelly will neutralize the danger by tying him up. ‘Trojan’ simply cannot keep up with the speed set by ‘PBK’.
Right at the end of the round, Williamson got the shot he was looking for – a massive right-hand shot that hit Kelly’s chin. He made it through, but it was a warning of strength.
A POWERFUL end to Round 4 from Troy Williamson
Which direction do you see this going?Clock #WilliamsonKelly live on @channel5_tv 💥@SauerlandBros | @WassermanBoxing | @WilliamHillpic.twitter.com/2J1FQmFtjI
– Channel 5 Sports (@Channel5Sport) December 2, 2022
Into the fifth inning, Kelly was tagged a little more than he would have liked, but he responded with huge hits of his own. Williamson tried to continue but he was knocked out and it was a tense final minute for the British champion. Kelly – red shorts, red gloves – ended the round by playing matador against Williamson’s bull.
Halfway through, the strongest argument was that the scoreline was 6-0 in Kelly’s favor. He shuts down the space when there’s any sign of potential trouble, but not a negative fight – just a smart one. He jumped on the rope to avoid Floyd Mayweather’s punches to entertain the crowd late in the seventh inning.
🗣️ “He’s boxing like a SUPER STAR tonight”@JOSHPBK make the crowd go to the end of the seventh round@SauerlandBros | @WassermanBoxing | @WilliamHill | #WilliamsonKellypic.twitter.com/mUy6sQw61A
– Channel 5 Sports (@Channel5Sport) December 2, 2022
To his credit, Williamson ate a lot of clean shots and barely took a step back. Kelly’s low hand – while the audience tensed – allows him to fire shots from the hip without his opponents seeing.
As the championship rounds drew closer, Williamson could only hope for a knockout – but taking it only gave his opponents more chances. He was injured again for the ninth time.
Kelly started bleeding on the head in the eleventh minute, unlike one of the cuts suffered in the loss to Avanesyan. Any fear that flashbacks might falter the boxer quickly dissipated as he sent Williamson across the ring with a left hook. Knowing well how the fight was going, he didn’t even give chase to fire another shot.
Williamson gave his all for the final three minutes. Kelly showed up again in response. The boxers shared a beautiful moment after the final bell before referee Mark Lyson raised his hand to give Kelly a unanimous decision – 118-110 119-109 119-111. Tonight, the boxer answered a lot of questions and put himself firmly back on the track before the lone defeat.
Elsewhere on the card, Lyndon Arthur scored an impressive win by knockout in the second round. The stab that helped ‘King’ Arthur’ beat Anthony Yarde in their first game was on display once again, and he staggered Joel McIntyre with more than half an hour left. The referee stepped in to wave after four difficult, unanswered shots.
It all ended in the second round 💥
Lyndon Arthur with a HUGE winCapture all the action, including #WilliamsonKellylive on @channel5_tv @SauerlandBros | @WassermanBoxing | @WilliamHillpic.twitter.com/FawA2hMuOr
– Channel 5 Sports (@Channel5Sport) December 2, 2022