NXTGEN: Josh Kelly served up a swift knockout and Natasha Jonas made a dazzling debut in Newcastle
Saturday 24 June 2017 00:00, UK
Josh Kelly justified his growing hype with a whirlwind knockout win and Natasha Jonas and Anthony Fowler also impressed on the NXTGEN bill.
The second instalment of the NXTGEN series headed to Newcastle and Kelly topped off another eventful night with a blistering victory.
Pretty impressive
'Pretty Boy' Kelly lived up to his main event billing as he overwhelmed Tom Whitfield with dazzling hand speed from the opening bell.
The former Team GB fighter needed only one minute and 19 seconds to finish off Whitfield in a torrent of 10 punches and also displayed a ruthless instinct that is required in the unforgiving professional ranks.
Trainer Adam Booth recently guided Ryan Burnett to the IBF bantamweight title in his 17th fight and believes his gym-mate can follow a similar path.
"Everyone is impatient," Booth told Sky Sports. "I think with Josh you will probably have to wait less than you would do with the average fighter that goes up to world level.
"I can see Josh moving through the levels quite quickly. I have to keep him challenged."
Dream debut for Jonas
Jonas started her professional career with an impressive first-round knockout win over Monika Antonik.
The former Team GB boxer made a smooth transition, displaying sharp punching power from her southpaw stance, and soon overwhelmed her Polish opponent.
Jonas admits there will be public clamour for a future clash with Irish rival Katie Taylor, but insists she is pursuing her own ambitions.
Fowler produces fireworks
Anthony Fowler continued his professional education with a fourth round stoppage victory over Nikoloz Gvajava.
The Liverpudlian fully admits he was too eager in last month's debut win, but displayed far more composure in his second outing as he clinically grinded down the Georgian's defences with body shots.
Fowler appeared to have heeded the calm advice of trainer David Coldwell, although the 26-year-old admitted he was still a work in progress.
Hall still has title hopes
Stuart Hall remains in the hunt for another world title fight after a comfortable points victory over Jose Aguilar.
The Darlington man believes he should have regained his old IBF belt after a hotly disputed points defeat to Lee Haskins last September.
But even at the age of 37, Hall still has a burning desire to compete at the highest level, and could provide a stubborn challenge to new IBF champion Burnett.
Bradley back with a bang
Bradley Saunders signalled the end of a 19-month absence from boxing with a first round knockout win over Casey Blair.
The former 2008 Olympian was forced to take a lengthy break from the sport due to serious hand injuries, but there were no problems with his fists as he made short work of Blair.
Saunders has set his sights on at least claiming a British belt in his professional career and was glad to put his injury anguish behind him.
