Josh Kelly's Back and I'm Actually Nervous About This One

By Lewis Barnett 3 June, 2025 6 mins read 49 Views

Look, I've been covering boxing for eight years now, and something about Josh Kelly vs Flavius Biea on June 6th has me genuinely worried for the Brit.

Kelly's supposedly in "incredible form" - that's what everyone keeps saying. Six straight wins since June 2022, former Olympian, all that good stuff. But did you watch his last fight against Ishmael Davis? Because I did, and honestly? It was rough.

Audio Summary of the Article

That Davis Fight Still Haunts Me

Kelly got absolutely battered for stretches of that bout on the Joshua-Dubois undercard. Sure, he won on the scorecards, but watching him absorb that punishment made me wince. My buddy texted me halfway through: "This doesn't look like a world-class fighter." Harsh but... not entirely wrong?

And now he's facing Flavius Biea, who's riding a 12-fight win streak and just claimed the WBC Latino Super Welterweight belt by beating Jonathan Jose Eniz. This Romanian isn't coming to Newcastle to make up the numbers.

The Nitty-Gritty Details (Because You Asked)

Fight night is Friday, June 6th at Newcastle Arena - which can pack in about 11,000 people, so expect it to be loud as hell. Ring walks should start around 10pm BST, though these things always run late because... well, it's boxing.

Here's the good news: it's FREE on Channel 5 if you've got a TV license. You can also stream it on My5, though you'll need to create an account with your email. Small price to pay for what could be a genuinely explosive welterweight clash.

Why I'm Actually Worried

Kelly talks a big game - always has. His latest quote about showing Biea "there are levels to this game" and promising something "beautiful and brutal" sounds confident enough. But confidence doesn't win fights.

Biea's got that warrior mentality Kelly mentioned, and frankly, that scares me more than technical brilliance sometimes. Guys who just keep coming forward, absorbing punishment, waiting for their moment... they're dangerous.

The Supporting Cast

The undercard is actually pretty solid. Felix Cash vs Rolando Mansilla should be entertaining, and I'm curious about Cyrus Pattinson vs Joe Garside - that one could steal the show if both guys come to fight.

Full lineup for those keeping track:

Josh Kelly vs Flavius Biea (main event), Niall Brown vs Matt McCallum, Ben Marksby vs Nicolas Blanco, Felix Cash vs Rolando Mansilla, Lucas Roehrig vs Sofiane Quoit, Tom Welland vs Mauricio Perez, Codie Smith vs Mario Portillo, Lee Rogers vs Charles Tondo, Cyrus Pattinson vs Joe Garside, Dan Toward vs Connor Goulding, and Matty Harris vs Dan Garber.

My Gut Feeling

Kelly needs to prove he's still got it after that shaky Davis performance. Biea needs to prove he belongs at this level.

One of them is going home disappointed on June 6th. Based on what I saw last time out, I'm not as confident as I should be about which one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you progress from amateur to Professional Boxing?

The transition from amateur boxing to professional requires a significant increase in training intensity and mental preparation. An amateur boxer must establish a strong track record of performance, typically honing skills in various local and national competitions. It is also critical to obtain a professional boxing license and align with experienced managers and trainers who can guide career decisions and secure professional bouts.

What diet should a boxer who is a novice follow?

A novice should consume a diet with a balance of nutrients that supports intense workouts, and promotes recovery. It is usually recommended to consume carbohydrates for energy as well as lean proteins that promote muscle growth and repair. Healthy fats should also be consumed for good health. Also, vitamins and minerals, as well as hydration, are important. Consulting a sports dietician can help you create a tailored diet that fits your boxer's goals and training routine.

What are some of the risks involved in professional boxing?

Professional boxing, like any contact sport, carries inherent risks. This includes acute injuries like cuts, bruises broken bones and head trauma as well as chronic conditions such as concussions or neurological disorders. While proper training, safety equipment and compliance with boxing regulations can reduce the risks, they will never be eliminated. Accepting and understanding these risks are essential to choosing to box professionally.

What is the best equipment for a beginner in professional boxing to start with?

Equipment essential for those who want to get into professional boxing include boxing gloves, mouthguards, headgears (for sparring) and the right footwear. The use of a heavy, speed, or double-end bag is essential for technical workouts. You should use durable, high-quality equipment to protect yourself from injury.

How important mental toughness is it in professional Boxing?

Mental toughness in professional boxing is as crucial as physical conditioning. The sport requires resilience, focus and the ability to handle stress, as well as the psychological fortitude needed to overcome adversity. Mental preparation is a combination of stress management, visualization and a strong mentality to meet the challenges that are faced in the ring. Mental toughness is essential for a boxer to be able to perform at their best under the pressure of professional competition.

What are key elements of a fighter's training regimen?

A boxer’s training program is typically composed of a few key components. They include technical skill building, tactical drills and strength and conditioning. Sparring and mental training are also included. Tactics drills help develop fighting strategies, while technique-focused exercises improve defensive maneuvers and punch accuracy. Sparring and conditioning exercises provide practical combat experience. Mental training builds confidence, focus and resilience.

How long does it take to become an elite boxer?

The time it takes to become a professional boxer can vary widely. It is dependent on the starting level of the boxer, his/her ability to adapt, and how well he/she trained. It could take a few years of hard work and success as an amateur before a person is ready to become a professional. Some exceptional talent may advance faster, while others might need more development time.

Statistics

Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.

External Links

How To

How to Choose the Right Boxing Gym for Professional Training

Choosing the correct boxing club is crucial for a smooth transition from amateurs into professionals. The ideal gym should have experienced trainers familiar with the professional boxing scene. It should provide a range training equipment as well as a sparring area. The culture and environment of the gym should be positive and focused on improving. Check out the gym's history of producing professional boxers, and see if they offer customized training plans that are tailored to your current skill level and goals.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/this-weekend-at-portman-road-wardleys-got-everything-on-the-line-including-his-relationship