A year of frustration will be following Ryan Kelly into the ring as the former area champion tries to get busy again.
He resumes his efforts at the Eastside Rooms, on Woodcock Street in Birmingham, when BCB Promotions return to the venue on Saturday night (June 17).
It’s been 11 months since the talented Brummie’s outing, a British middleweight title eliminator against Brad Pauls, which went against him by the narrowest of margins.
‘Ruthless’ was furious, at the final bell, where he was edged out on a split decision. One judge had him 97-93 up on points, with the two others scoring it 96-94 and 96-95 for Pauls.
The 29-year-old, from Chelmsley Wood, has been on the sidelines ever since, while Pauls has been outpointed for the English crown by Tyler Denny.
Kelly now takes part in a 21st pro fight, with a 50 per cent stoppage ratio (eight TKOs) from his 16 wins, along with four losses and only once not seeing the finish.
It’s five years since his glory with area honours, at super welter, having halted Owen Jobburn in seven rounds. He defended the belt once, removing Kelcie Ball after 89 seconds.
Picking up that Midlands strap came at the second attempt, having been narrowly beaten by Adam Harper in 2017. There were just two points between the two, after a 97-95 score-line.
Kelly has also challenged for WBO European and WBC International baubles, losing to Michael McKinson and Hamzah Sheeraz respectively, with Sheeraz settling matters in six.
He was living in Dubai, at the time of his clash with Sheeraz, and married wife Abi there, before heading home in 2021. His first child, daughter Frankee, arrived that same year.
Kelly went back to trainer John Costello, too, who first coached him when he took up the sport, at the age of eight. Costello is the founder of Chelmsley Wood Boxing Club.
Tickets for the Eastside Rooms bill are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.
