AFTER the British Boxing Board of Control order Troy Williamson to defend his British middleweight title against Josh Kelly, the Darlington boxer has urged the Sunderland fighter to agree to the bout and give the North-East a ‘huge fight’.

Willamson, who has an unbeaten record from 19 bouts, has been ordered to face Kelly after James Metcalfe pulled out of the title bout. Bids to promote the fight must be submitted by August 10th and the BBBofC have acted promptly to find a replacement for Metcalfe.

As things stand, Kelly’s full concentration will be on July 30th when he fights Lucas Bastida for the WBO International Super Welterweight title at the Newcastle Vertu Motors Arena.

While Kelly’s head may be elsewhere, the Trojan wants some answers so he can take on Sunderland boxer. “It’s a great fight, especially for the North East” Williamson told Probellum.com.

“I’ve known Josh since our amateur days and we are friends outside of the ring, but that will have to be put to one side if we fight.

“He’s got all the talent in the world and a big following, so this would be a huge occasion.  I posted on social media after hearing the news and everybody is already getting excited for this fight.

“I just hope Josh takes the fight and isn’t like all the others who just want easy fights.

“I’m a proven 12 round fighter who is strong at the weight. And as everyone has seen, I get stronger as the fight goes on. I am a lot stronger and fitter than Josh and that will tell over the distance.”

Kelly holds one defeat on his record from 12 fights after losing last time out against David Avanesyan via a technical knockout, which was for a European welterweight title.

While the noise of a possible fight against Williamson lingers in the background, Kelly is hopeful of avoiding an upset in just over a fortnight’s time. He said: “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.”