Kelly will square off with Flavius Biea in Newcastle on Friday, June 6, with the fight to be televised live on Channel 5.
Kelly’s hard-punching Romanian opponent had no hesitation in accepting the offer to fight the avoided Sunderland man, and know he can catapult himself himself onto the world scene with a shock win.
The hard-as-nails Biea is on a 12-fight winning streak and his confidence is sky-high but in Kelly he faces a sharp puncher and the former Olympian plans to remind Chris Eubank Junior, Conor Benn and the rest of his rivals what he is all about.
Kelly said: “Biea has shown he’s got what plenty of others in my division haven’t – the minerals to step up and fight me.
“You have to respect his warrior mentality but there are levels to this game, and on June 6, I will show him, and everyone watching on Channel 5, why I am world class.
“Biea will no doubt think he’ll be able to walk me down, but I’ll make him miss, and then I’ll make him pay. It will be beautiful and brutal.”
Biea said: “I have absolutely no fear in facing Josh Kelly.
“I respect him and his skills but make no mistake about it, I am coming to win on June 6 and take away all those big fights he so desperately wants.
“Kelly says he’s avoided, and people are running scared, but not me.”
Kalle Sauerland, global head of boxing at Wasserman, said: “The heat is on, this June as we bring a compelling clash of styles to Channel 5.
“Josh Kelly is a world class operator and on the cusp of humongous fights, but he can afford no slip-ups against Biea.
“Kelly has devastating speed, Matrix-like reflexes and elite level ring IQ, while Biea has been willing to take on this challenge, when plenty of others haven’t – and that makes him extremely dangerous.
“This fight is laced with jeopardy for Kelly, but with home support in the North East, we expect him to make a massive statement.”
The night, titled Fast and Furious, also includes fast-rising British prospect Tom Welland and the return of Felix Cash and Dan Toward.
Niall Brown, Ben Marksby, Codie Smith, Matty Harris, Cyrus Pattinson and Lee Rogers will also feature.
Tickets are on sale HERE.
