JOSH KELLY’S wildest dreams have come true in the past few days with a first world title win in the north-east and then parading the belt at his beloved Stadium of Light.
The Sunderland super-fan graced the turf with his newly won IBF junior middleweight world title before his side’s 3-0 demolition of Burnley on Monday Night Football.
Kelly defeated the feared Bakhram Murtazaliev via majority decision at Newcastle‘s Utilita Arena to secure his first-ever world title.
The 31-year-old has long stated that his dream is to fight at the Stadium of Light, home to his beloved Sunderland.
After his big win, Matchroom CEO Frank Smith revealed to Kelly that Sunderland had been in contact and extended an invite to him for Monday.
“They’ve just text,” Smith started.
Kelly said: “Shut up.”
Smith continued: “They’ve said ‘Let’s get it on, Stadium of Light next.
“’Club [is] inviting Josh into the boardroom on Monday and let’s get the fight made there.’”
Kelly said: “Ahhhhh! Jesus Christ. That’s crazy.”
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At this time, it’s unknown if they had a meeting prior to Kelly’s on-pitch appearance or the details they discussed if they did.
But with no firm opponent set for Kelly yet, they won’t be able to set anything in stone anyway.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference after his win, Kelly admitted he hopes to see the stadium fight this year.
“There’s plenty of names that can fill that stadium. We have domestic fights, overseas fighters – loads of people who can fill in that spot and make this a crazy night at the Stadium of Light.
“This is history made so if I hung up my gloves now, I’d be happy. But, now it’s time to really go and get those big fights that get the people chatting.
“Get your next door neighbour talking, her talking, him talking; do you know what I mean? We have to put those fights together.”
It’s common knowledge that Jaron ‘Boots‘ Ennis is one of the names Matchroom put in Kelly’s deal to face when he returned to the promotion last year.
But his trainer Adam Booth insists he’s not the only name and they will discuss their options.
