Here is what Josh Kelly’s (13-2-1 including the World Series of Boxing) had to say after dethroning Troy Williamson (19-1-1, 14 KOs) for the British junior middleweight championship on Friday by scores of 118-110, 119-109 and 119-111: “The performance felt that smooth, and that much like it was the way it was supposed to go, I’m saying to Adam “Can you snap me out of this dream”. That was support from all sides tonight with some Middlesbrough fans, some Newcastle fans and some Sunderland fans; but the North East turned out.  This British title means so much to me, oh my god, all that hard work’s paid off baby."

 

As for questions about his stamina, Kelly said, "What gas tank? That’s cancelled. I feel like I can go and do another five or ten rounds there. I boxed to instructions, boxed clever, boxed safe, boxed tidy and didn’t take no risks; and that’s what the outcome turns out like. Troy was meant to come and do a demolition job on me, he’s a hard-punching knockout artist in the Super Welterweight division. There’s a new name now, there was always the name actually, but it has come into play now. Josh Kelly, baby... A massive happy birthday to my trainer Adam Booth as well. Massive respect to Troy and all his team and fans too, all that online stuff is just online stuff. We’re cool, Troy’s a very hard and strong competitor, but I want to take the time to thank everyone who has stuck behind me and been loyal. My dad, my mum, my family; everybody man.”

 

“Thank you Channel 5 and everyone for all their support. Merry Christmas everyone, we’re going to have a good one this year.”

 

Promoter Kalle Sauerland

 

“There’s good boxers, there’s very good boxers, and then there’s special boxers. I’m so proud of Josh, all those critics had their words stuffed right back down their throats after them 12 rounds tonight. The sky is the limit for him, like Adam (Booth) said, he’s not just good he’s special. There’s a reason why there was so much hype surrounding him at the beginning of his career; the hype train is back on.”

 

“It's going to be an amazing journey next year, we’re just very excited. I want to enjoy tonight first but there’s huge domestic fights available to us, this is world level though. What we saw tonight was world class. This has been a long time coming, tonight he proved all the doubters wrong in the best possible way. I’m so proud of him, and Adam, absolute professionals in the way they’ve gone about it as always. What Josh did tonight was a masterclass against a very dangerous opponent, do not underestimate him because he’ll be back I’m sure; but Josh Kelly is special.”

 

Trainer Adam Booth

 

“I’ve said from the first day that he’s the most talented fighter I’ve ever worked with. The only person who beat Josh Kelly up until now was Josh Kelly, he had to overcome monumental mental issues. We have now started to unearth the potential that lies in this man; he is going to be something special.”

 

“I’m only interested in working with the best, and he’s only interested with being the best.”