SUNDERLAND fighter Josh Kelly will be counting on the support of the North-East to get him over the line when he competes against Lucas Bastida for the WBO International Super Welterweight Championship on Saturday, July 30 at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle.

The fight represents a huge opportunity for one of the fighters to break into the world rankings with the WBO.

After a dominant performance against Peter Kramer in his last outing, Kelly will look to carry that confidence into this month’s fight to send his status soaring.

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.

“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.”

Kelly, a former Team GB Olympian, continued: “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 provide a very real threat to the title aspirations of Sunderland’s ‘PBK’. At 25, the Argentinian has had additional rounds, but holds a similar record to Kelly in only having one loss and one draw.

The North-East takeover will also see Birtley-trained Olympic hero Pat McCormack starring alongside Harlem Eubank as he continues his title charge against Tom ‘Fazza’ Farrell.

Heavyweights Hosea Stewart and Franklin Ignatius should produce fireworks alongside top local talent such as Mark Dickinson, ‘Drago’ Steve Robinson, Kai Richmond, Ben Marksby, Lisa Whiteside and Jordan Barker-Porter.

The night will be broadcast on Channel Five, and tickets are available now priced £40, £80, £100 and £200 via www.wassermanboxing.com.