Watch Joshua-Ruiz Jr, Katie Taylor's undisputed world title fight, Josh Kelly and more at Madison Square Garden on June 1, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Tuesday 21 May 2019 11:24, UK
Josh Kelly can display his dazzling skills to an American audience when he faces Ray Robinson on the undercard for Anthony Joshua's US debut at Madison Square Garden.
The 25-year-old welterweight, one of Britain's hottest prospects, can accelerate his climb towards the division's biggest names as he faces the respected Robinson before Joshua's world heavyweight title defence against Andy Ruiz Jr in New York on June 1, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Kelly produced a dominant points win over fellow unbeaten prospect Przemyslaw Runowski at The O2 last month to defend his WBA International title and 'Pretty Boy' is eager to impress on his first professional fight in the States.
Things change and titles switch hands but the majority of world titles are held in the US at the moment so I could end up boxing there a lot more in the future.
"To be boxing at the Mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden, is pretty serious isn't it," said Kelly, who is swiftly returning to action after illness denied him a fight with David Avanesyan at the end of last year.
"I've never been there before so I'm going to enjoy the experience and put a performance on. To be fighting at a venue like that so early on in my career is another box ticked on my journey.
"Things change and titles switch hands but the majority of world titles are held in the US at the moment so I could end up boxing there a lot more in the future. I just take things fight by fight and I never overlook anyone because I'd be doing myself and my opponent an injustice.
"Robinson is a very good opponent. He's a good boxer with an awkward southpaw style so it's another good test for me. It's going to be a great fight and a night to enjoy. I get a lot of support from people in the US so it's nice to have an opportunity to put on a performance in front of them.
"What happened with the Avanesyan fight was unfortunate but it's a fight that's still 100 per cent on my radar. Adam Booth has got a plan for it and I'll just go with what he says. It's definitely more than likely going to take place. June 1 is going to be the start of something big."
But Robinson will be another step-up in class as the Philadelphian has only fallen short against world-class fighters such as Shawn Porter and Yordenis Ugas during a 28-fight career, with 24 wins, just three defeats and one draw against top contender Egidijus Kavaliauskas in his last fight.
Kelly's fight with Robinson is the latest addition to the AJ bill, which also features Katie Taylor's undisputed world lightweight title fight against Delfine Persoon and Tommy Coyle's battle with Chris Algieri for the WBO international super-lightweight belt.
In the main event, Joshua defends his WBA 'super' IBF and WBO titles against Ruiz Jr, who has 32 victories and just the one razor-thin points defeat to Joseph Parker in a WBO title fight in New Zealand in 2016.
Adam Smith, head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: "Josh Kelly is one of the hottest talents in Britain - and Madison Square Garden is a perfect venue for him to showcase his skills.
"We've covered Kelly's exciting career from the very start. 'PBK' can now show American fans why he's a name to watch in that red-hot welterweight division.
"It will be a bumper evening of boxing as Katie Taylor bids to become the undisputed world lightweight champion, and then AJ can mark his US debut with a bang against Andy Ruiz Jr!"
Watch Anthony Joshua versus Andy Ruiz Jr, Katie Taylor's undisputed world title fight, Josh Kelly and more at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 1, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
