Bank on Kelly to take the British 11st title

Kelly and Costello…after 11 years, Ryan gets his biggest break

RYAN Kelly has, after a career studded with controversial and disappointing decisions, bagged a British and Commonwealth title shot.

The Chelmsley Wood light-middle will face champion Bilal Fawaz on the major Matchroom show at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on May 2. The bill is topped by the scintillating derby scrap between Conah Walker and Sam Eggington.

And make no mistake – this, I believe, is a very winnable fight for the former Midlands and Commonwealth silver champ.

He’s had more than twice as many fights as Fawaz, has been a pro for seven years longer, is, at 32, five years younger and has fought consistently at a higher level. He has more championship rounds. What’s more, I believe “Ruthless” Ryan hits harder: Fawaz has only stopped three of 13 opponents.

As Ryan’s trainer John Costello said: “If Ryan believes in himself as much as I believe in him, he’s coming home with the British and Commonwealth belts.”

Fawaz’s record should entice even casual fans to put a fiver on Kelly. Yes, the Nigerian born, London based, boxer was a fine amateur, winning an ABA title and representing England.

Yes, the majority decision victory over Ishmael Davis – an excellent, dangerous fighter – for the titles last year proves Fawaz is no slouch. He is to be respected.

But before that, he had two real struggles with Junaid Bostan for the English 11st belt, drawing the first and taking a majority decision in the second. Bostan is very highly regarded and hits with power.

Remove those two names from Fawaz’s record and there’s not too much to get excited about.

Ryan Amos, outpointed in 2024, is a good fighter, but not outstanding.

Fawaz was outpointed over four rounds by Ayoub Zakari – a Spaniard with more losses than wins – at York Hall, Bethnal Green, in 2022.

Now look at the men Kelly has faced – and given them a very hard time.

Most critics believe he did enough to beat future British middleweight champ Brad Pauls but came out on the wrong side of a split decision. There were similar howls of protest when Kieron Conway had his hand raised – again on a split – in their Commonwealth middleweight title tussle. Caoimhin Agyarko is currently unbeaten in 18, yet he had to settle for a disputed majority decision over the local favourite known as “Ruthless”.

The only man to stop Kelly in a 27 bout, 11 year career is world class KO artist Hamzah Sheeraz – and the preparation for that 2019 European title contest was hardly ideal: Ryan, then living in Dubai, trained himself.

The results reveal Kelly has not had the rub of the green, until now. I say he’s all wrong for Fawaz.

After so many setbacks, he deserves this golden opportunity. Look at the stats: whatever way you roll the dice they fall in Kelly’s favour.

“We’re both – we’re all – really excited,” Costello said. “We were told about the fight four weeks ago and that they could get it on the Wolverhampton bill. We were given plenty of notice, then it was confirmed last week.”

Costello, one of the best known faces on the Birmingham boxing scene, is preparing for nothing less than a real argument from Fawaz.

“He’s a bit of a character,” he said, “you can’t take anything away from him, but I think he got Ishmael Davis at the right time.”

Of Kelly’s list of questionable losses, Costello said: “Maybe we should’ve changed his name from ‘Ruthless’ to ‘Luckless’.

“Now he is beginning to understand what he’s capable of.  After the Conway fight, Ryan said he felt he had to look at 154lbs (11st, light-middle). I said I’d only get him down to 154 with (expert) help. We’ve received that help, he makes it very well and is a better fighter for it.”

Costello adds: “Ryan can do this. God loves a trier.”

Few modern fighters have shown Kelly’s persistence. He’s suffered more than his share of disappointments yet keeps on trying.

That never-say-die spirit will prove crucial against Fawaz.