Conor Benn and Josh Kelly appear on packed undercard for Katie Taylor's world title defence
Friday 13 November 2020 10:23, UK
Conor Benn and Josh Kelly can extend their unbeaten records when they return to action on a bumper undercard for Katie Taylor’s first world title defence.
Benn and Kelly appear on a packed bill of exciting young talent, including Joe Cordina and Lawrence Okolie, before Taylor defends her WBA lightweight title against Jessica McCaskill at York Hall in Bethnal Green on December 13, live on Sky Sports.
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Benn recently marked his US debut with an impressive second-round stoppage of Brandon Sanudo and is targeting his 11th win next month after racking up four victories this year following his recovery from injury.
"I felt ready to go again right after the win in NYC, so it's great to be on another bill before Christmas," said Benn.
"America was a great experience and a new experience, and one that's going to stand me in good stead for the future.
"I'm right handed but I've been putting people away with the left hand and that shows that I'm developing good power and that I'm learning in the gym with [trainer] Tony [Sims] every day.
"I suffered a bad injury and was out for seven months, but in hindsight it's been the best thing for me. I used that time to work on my skills and learn my craft, and I've won all my fights since that lay off by KO, and that's down to my hard work."
Kelly has made a whirlwind start to his professional career, blasting his way to four victories since his debut in February, and will continue his rapid rise by facing the experienced Frenchman Jean Michel Hamilcaro.
"Adam Booth and Eddie Hearn tell me what to do - I just keep working hard," said Kelly. "I don't call people out, I just do my job in the ring and graft in the gym.
"I've been alongside Ryan Burnett in the gym and I've seen what needs to be done to reach the top and I'm ready to put that work in.
"People are talking about European and world titles for me and I'm only 4-0 and just 23 years old. There's plenty of time, but I'm excited about where we're going."
Martin J Ward also features on the undercard, targeting the vacant European super-featherweight title as he takes on Juli Giner, while Jake Ball and Miles Shinkwin clash for the WBA continental light-heavyweight title.
Team GB Rio Olympians Cordina and Okolie, along with unbeaten prospects Gamal Yafai and Felix Cash have another opportunity to showcase their skills at the sold-out venue.
