Home Columns Josh Kelly insists he can give Jaron Ennis a “boxing lesson”

Josh Kelly insists he can give Jaron Ennis a “boxing lesson”

Hearn made offer to Kelly for Ennis

Josh Kelly believes he could give Jaron Ennis a "boxing lesson" Photo Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Josh Kelly believes he could give Jaron Ennis a "boxing lesson" Photo Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Josh Kelly believes he is capable of giving Jaron Ennis a “boxing lesson”, but insists the offer he received was not acceptable.

Ennis, the former unified welterweight titlist, moved up to 154lbs after relinquishing his titles following victory over Eimantas Stanionis and currently sits one place behind Kelly in the WBO rankings at number four.

Ennis’ promoter, Eddie Hearn told IFLTV earlier this week that he had made an offer to the Sunderland man to face ‘Boots’ in Philadelphia in October.

Kelly’s trainer and manager, Adam Booth labelled the offer as “derisory” and Kelly admits he was also unimpressed by the proposal.

“The offer’s s***,” the 31-year-old told the Ring Magazine.

Hearn made an offer to Kelly to face Ennis Photo Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Hearn made an offer to Kelly to face Ennis Photo Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

“He’s said you’ve got to reply in 24 hours or we’re moving to a different opponent.

“I’ll take the Jaron Ennis fight, 100%.

“Give me the right money and the right time and I’m there.

“I’ll fight Jaron Ennis.

Ennis has moved up to super welterweight Photo Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Ennis has moved up to super welterweight Photo Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

“These fights need to be prepared for.

“I’m an established fighter, I’m not just a fighter somewhere in the rankings so you can just give him that [amount of money].

“I’m an established fighter and an established name.”

Kelly signed with Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing after turning professional following the 2016 Olympics, but moved to Kalle Sauerland’s Wasserman after suffering a sole career loss to David Avanesyan in 2021, whom ‘Boots’ stopped last July.

Kelly has won his last seven on the bounce, including a first round knockout over Flavius Biea in June and believes he could outbox Ennis.

“I’ve got a horrible style,” he added.

“He’s got a horrible style, but I don’t think he’s ever boxed anyone similar to himself.

“It’ll be who breaks their rhythm first.

“Or if he wants to walk us down and play that game, I can give him a boxing lesson.”

Should a meeting with Ennis not materialise, Kelly says he’s hopeful of securing a showdown with recently crowned WBO world champion, Xander Zayas, who outpointed Jorge Garcia on Saturday in New York.

“I should be fighting him [Zayas] next really.

“He was calling me out last year and at the time none of us really were anywhere.

“But now he’s got the world title, come and fight me next.

Zayas became the new WBO super welterweight world champion Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Zayas became the new WBO super welterweight world champion Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

“Let me fight you next.

“I’m the next [fighter] in the rankings.

“Why not get that on?”