Monday 11 June 2018 11:06, UK
Trainer Adam Booth feels Josh Kelly's challenge for the Commonwealth welterweight title is "part of the journey" to becoming an eventual world champion.
'PBK' will face current titlist Kris George on June 16, at the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, live on Sky Sports, and Booth believes this is the perfect fight next, following an impressive victory over former IBF 154lbs king Carlos Molina last time out.
"We'll take these risks, calculated risks, because we believe in the fighter that we have," Booth said to punch-lines.
"When I talk about Josh I only talk about world championships but this is only part of the journey, a journey which will be entertaining and incredible for the north east."
Australia's George has only lost once in 15 contests, but the 28-year-old will be fighting outside of his homeland as a professional for the first time as makes the second defence of his belt.
Booth, who has led David Haye, Andy Lee and Ryan Burnett to world title glory, insists nobody has seen Kelly's true qualities as a fighter yet, and that his superior talent will only be showcased when faced with a higher level of opponent.
"As a coach I've been fortunate to work with some excellent fighters," he said. "Josh is a special talent, he really is, not just in the ring, but out of it.
"He has that crossover appeal as a fighter. As a fighter, there have been some interesting performances from him so far, it makes for good highlight reels.
"People probably aren't yet aware of the substance of him as a fighter and that will only come out when he meets someone who provides the right challenge for him."
Lewis Ritson against Paul Hyland Jr and Josh Kelly versus Kris George is on Sky Sports Action from 7pm on Saturday night.
