"I've got a switch when I go into the ring. I'm not the same guy outside as I am in."
Friday 7 December 2018 11:45, UK
Josh Kelly says he will flick "a switch" before he fights David Avanesyan and intends to produce a stunning win over the former world champion.
The 24-year-old welterweight takes another step up in class against Avanesyan on the undercard for the Kell Brook-Michael Zerafa fight in Sheffield on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.
Avanesyan previously held the WBA belt, with his record including a win over Shane Mosley, and Kelly welcomed the prospect of facing a higher grade of opponent in only his ninth bout.
"That's why I'm here," Kelly told Sky Sports. "I need someone to come and really try to take my head off.
"When I get in the ring, a lot of people want to take my head off, because I look like an arrogant sort of guy, but I've got a switch when I go into the ring. I'm not the same guy outside as I am in.
"I feel Saturday night when I go in there, I want to put a performance on."
Kelly makes a swift return to the ring following a first-round knockout of Walter Fabian Castillo last month and expects to shock the boxing world with an emphatic win over Avanesyan.
"Four weeks since the last fight, so I've had a quick turnaround and I'm feeling fresh," he said.
If he comes to fight, it's going to be a good night, and a night to enjoy.
"When this fight happens, when the decision gets made, then I think a lot of people will be surprised the way the fight has went.
"Stylistically I'm ready for this sort of fight. It's the typical boxer against a fighter. If he comes to fight, it's going to be a good night, and a night to enjoy."
But Avanesyan, a Russian based in Britain, believes Kelly will have to endure a testing 12-round battle.
"A big fight for me. I like this fight, I want this fight," said Avanesyan. "I'm hungry and I'm ready. I will do my best.
"It's a good fight, I think 12 rounds."
Watch Kell Brook vs Michael Zerafa in what could be his last fight in Sheffield, with Josh Kelly, Anthony Fowler and Jono Carroll on the undercard, live on Saturday, Sky Sports Action from 7pm, and Sky Sports Main Event from 8pm.
