Josh Kelly overcame a tough Lucas Bastida to enter the world rankings and claim the WBO International Super Welterweight Championship. It was a fiery encounter before the bell had even sounded, and after yesterdays weigh-in antics that saw the two main event fighters exchanging words, Bastida walked to the ring in a Newcastle United football shirt to antagonise Sunderland’s Kelly even further.

With his name upon the banners, Kelly did not disappoint the Channel 5 audience and all those in attendance at the Vertu Motors Arena on a fantastic Wasserman Boxing fight night. ‘PBK’ had a job to do as he continued his climb up the rankings, but had clearly been working on all the physical and technical aspects of his game to grind down his Argentine opponent.

“I’ve said i only want to be in big fights, and that kid tonight has only lost once, and that was due to a cut. It wasn’t even a legitimate loss,” said Kelly, live on Channel 5 post-fight. 

“He’s a strong Argentine who wanted to push forward, with a marauding style where he tried swinging shots from everywhere. I needed to keep my discipline in there tonight, and that’s exactly what i did.” 

The eyes were on the North East fighter fighter even more so when British champion, and potential opponent, Troy Williamson entered the arena with his Newcastle shirt on. Asked about this being the next move for Team Kelly, there was no denying if they did, or didn’t, want this fight.

“We absolutely want that fight. I’m here for all the big fights and that includes Troy,” he said. “I’ve told Adam (Booth) and the rest of the team that it’s a fight we all definitely want to see.”

The post-fight interview between Channel 5, Kalle Sauerland and Josh Kelly was to be quickly interrupted by Williamson, as he gave his opinion on the future encounter. 

“It’s a fight that represents the future of British boxing, and i’m up for it 100%,” he said.

“Lets get it on.”

Results

Josh Kelly def.  Lucas Bastida via points – 98-92, 99-92, 96-85

Harlem Eubank def. Eliot Chavez due to Chavez DQ

Pat McCormack def. Dimitri Trenel via first-round stoppage

Ben Marksby def. Rustem Fatkhullin via points, 60-55

Steve Robinson def. Phil Williams via points – 39-37

Jordan Barker-Porter def. Bec Connolly via fifth-round stoppage

Hose Stewart vs. Franklin Ignatius was declared a draw

Lisa Whiteside def. Jasmina Nad via points – 60-54

Kai Richmond def. Taka Bembere via third-round stoppage

Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) leads a star-studded line up as he continues his World Title pursuit with a mouth-watering clash against top Argentinian contender Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) for the WBO International Super Welterweight Championship as part of a huge night of action on Saturday July 30 at the Vertu Motors Arena, live on Channel 5.
 
Kelly returns to the ring following an impressive stoppage victory over Peter Kramer on June 17 in Liverpool, which was watched by over 1 million viewers on Channel 5. The Sunderland boxer, who represented Team GB at the 2016 Rio Olympics and has previously held Commonwealth and WBA International Welterweight Titles, can expect one of his toughest career tests when he takes on ‘El Tornado’, the current South American Middleweight Champion, who will be coming to spoil the party and catapult himself into World Title contention.

Also on the card is Harlem Eubank (14-0, 6 KOs) who will be looking to establish himself as the latest star name from his famous boxing family. The nephew of British boxing legend Chris Eubank Snr and cousin of Chris Eubank Jr had initially been lined up to face Tom Farrell, but will now meet Mexico’s Eliot Chavez (11-4-1, 6 KOs) in a hotly anticipated Super Lightweight showdown after Farrell’s withdrawal due to a positive COVID-19 test.
 
Joining Kelly and Eubank in action, Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver Medallist Pat McCormack (1-0, 1 KO) goes in search of his second professional victory against Dimitri Trenel (8-1, 4 KOs). One of the North East’s most exciting boxing prospects, McCormack has an unbelievable pedigree from his time in the amateurs. Alongside his Olympic Silver medal, he has claimed European and Commonwealth Gold and World Silver medals. Now, looking to prove himself in the paid ranks, the 27-year-old cannot wait to showcase his skills and add another win to his record.

Another title fight features on the stacked North East takeover card, as one of Birmingham’s best, Raza Hamza (16-0, 7 KOs), competes for the IBO International Featherweight Championship against Roberto Rodriguez Nucamendi (13-5, 10 KOs) over 10 rounds of elite boxing action.

Fans can also look forward to a battle of the undefeated Heavyweights as undefeated prospects Hosea Stewart (2-0) and Franklin Ignatius (3-0, 1 KO) square off, plus an array of local fighters ready to prove the North East as a hotbed for boxing talent. 
 
The stage is set for Newcastle’s Jordan Barker-Porter (4-1) to make it three-straight wins as the 28-year-old Lightweight returns to action for an all-British battle in her home city. Her opponent, Bec Connolly (3-14) will be looking to call upon her vast experience, having faced current world champion Natasha Jonas, as well as former world champion Terri Harper.
 
Darlington’s Ben Marksby (4-0) can continue his undefeated streak at Super Lightweight when he fights for the first time in the North East. A popular fighter with a loyal following, Marksby faces off against the resilient Rustem Fatkhullin (8-37, 3 KOs). 

2018 Commonwealth Games Gold medallist Lisa Whiteside (3-0, 1 KO) will look to emulate her previous performance by producing another stoppage win in her Flyweight bout, when she faces off against a well-schooled fighter in Serbia’s Jasmina Nad (11-24-5, 4 KOs).

Straight out of Rocky IV, Heavyweight ‘Drago’ Steve Robinson (4-1) will be hunting for another blockbuster finish when the 6’7” giant from Newcastle looks to provide a finish worthy of his nickname. Future prospect Kai Richmond (1-0) will also be aiming to get the crowd on their feet after a comprehensive professional debut for the 22-year-old from Spennymoor earlier this year. 
 
Tickets for Wasserman Boxing’s North East takeover are on sale now, priced £40, £80, £100 and £200, and available via www.wassermanboxing.com.

Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) is in confident mood ahead of his WBO International Super Welterweight Championship fight against Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) on Saturday 30 July at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, live on Channel 5.

‘PBK’ has his sights set on the top honours boxing has to offer, and knows that a statement win in his home of the North East will trigger the start of his plans to upset the apple-cart amongst the top of the division.

For now, he is living in the present, and his eyes are on the very serious fighter that is Argentina’s Bastida. This will be Bastida’s first fight in this country, and Kelly plans on using home advantage to hit the headlines with an eye-catching performance.

“I’m coming to make noise in the North East first, then after a statement win against a tough opponent like Bastida, I’ll be happy to take on whoever wants it,” said Kelly.

“My skillset is at an elite level. We’ve been sharpening tools for a while now and once I’m crowned the WBO International champion, I’ll be looking at that list of world ranked fighters and targeting whoever I need to face to get to them belts.”

Having gone through gruelling preparations for scheduled fights in London and Liverpool, Kelly will at least have home-comforts this time around. A proud Sunderland lad, he does not overlook the chance to have the support of the people in the North East. 

“I’ve said it before, that I will never take for granted the opportunity to fight in the North East,” he said. “I can’t wait for fight time now. We’re a week out, everything has gone to plan and I’m looking forward to putting all the preparation into practice.”

Kelly has always been a son of British boxing, who is destined for the top. Momentum continues to build as he soars in an upward trajectory, and he wants to match his potential and ambition with big domestic battles to get fans off their seats.

Should he pass the test of Bastida, there have been plenty of mumblings regarding future opponents that would seriously excite this country’s fans, and admirers from around the globe.

“I’m not going to look past my opponent, but I have full belief in myself that if I bring my A-game, then it’s only going one way,” said Kelly.

“There’s been a lot of noise surrounding potential fights, stadium-worthy fights, and I’ll happily take care of business in front of a packed out arena against anyone.”

The North East takeover is coming as Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) vs. Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) headline for the WBO International Super Welterweight Championship on an electric fight night. Olympic hero Pat McCormack (1-0, 1 KO) also stars, alongside Harlem Eubank (14-0, 6 KOs) as he continues his title charge against Tom ‘Fazza’ Farrell (21-5, 5 KOs). Heavyweights Hosea Stewart (2-0) and Franklin Ignatius (3-0, 1 KO) guaranteed to produce fireworks amongst top local talent such as ‘Drago’ Steve Robinson (4-1, 3 KOs), Kai Richmond (1-0), Ben Marksby (4-0), Lisa Whiteside (3-0, 1KO) and Jordan Barker-Porter (3-1) on an unforgettable night in the North East. Wasserman Boxing heads to the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle for a massive night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday July 30, live on Channel 5 in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.

Tickets priced £40, £80, £100 and £200 are one sale now and available via www.wassermanboxing.com

Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) has had to overcome some of the most shocking of circumstances to put himself in a position to fight Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) for the WBO International Super Welterweight belt on Saturday 30 July at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, live on Channel 5.

You will seldom find someone more mentally and physically strong than Bastida, who is prepared to leave his homeland of Argentina to fight overseas for the first time in front of his opponents own crowd.

The North East takeover could be threatened by this dangerous Argentine, who is calling upon his impenetrable will and his peak conditioning to show why he has aspirations of becoming a world champion.

“I’m in boxing to achieve my dream of becoming a world champion, and leaving my surname remembered and respected,” said Bastida. “I really appreciate this opportunity to fight for the WBO International belt in Newcastle.

“Winning this means everything and that’s why I’m prepared to travel abroad to compete. I have huge support from my family and my friends, they have a lot of faith in me.”

Faith is not something that has always been present in the life of ‘El Tornado’. He went out to meet a group of friends, and found himself being held at knife-point by a mugger with a butchers knife.

After doing his upmost to protect himself, he miraculously escaped the attacker but left with injuries that put his boxing career in serious jeopardy.

“It was around 5 years ago when someone tried to rob me, and they stabbed me in the arm which cut three tendons and a nerve. At that point I thought my career was over,” he said.

“Doctors had no faith I would return to boxing, but I worked hard to rehab and make it back. I had to wait 12 months to fight again, and I boxed with a lot of pain in my hand, but I won. Since then, I took this as my second chance in boxing and I’ll give my best all the way to the very end.”

Now he comes up against Sunderland’s Kelly who will be looking to overcome this Argentine fighter who has lived a life of bouncing back when the odds are against him.

Having come through the other side of a past full of trials and tribulations, Bastida believes he is in his prime and ready to throw down on fight night.

“This is my first fight abroad, and I’m excited to travel to the UK and get to test myself against someone like Josh Kelly. I’ll go to the UK in the best condition I’ve been in. I know I have strong hands, I just need to be patient and wait for my moment.”

Unfazed by the travel, unfazed by Kelly’s home crowd, and unfazed about anything other than appreciating his life; Bastida is a man with nothing to lose. Entering the main event at the Vertu Motors Arena, the Argentine is up for the task of being locked in their with no one but his opponent.

“I’m a fighter in life. I’ve been in this sport a long-time training to be someone, I have a one year old daughter too and I fight for her,” he said.

“We are aware that we are going to his home, but in the ring it is just me and him. When the bell rings, we will see who’s better.”

The North East takeover is coming as Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) vs. Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) headline for the WBO International Super Welterweight Championship on an electric fight night. Olympic hero Pat McCormack (1-0, 1 KO) also stars, alongside Harlem Eubank (14-0, 6 KOs) as he continues his title charge against Tom ‘Fazza’ Farrell (21-5, 5 KOs). Heavyweights Hosea Stewart (2-0) and Franklin Ignatius (3-0, 1 KO) guaranteed to produce fireworks amongst top local talent such as ‘Drago’ Steve Robinson (4-1, 3 KOs), Kai Richmond (1-0), Ben Marksby (4-0), Lisa Whiteside (3-0, 1KO) and Jordan Barker-Porter (3-1) on an unforgettable night in the North East. Wasserman Boxing heads to the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle for a massive night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday July 30, live on Channel 5 in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.

Tickets priced £40, £80, £100 and £200 are one sale now and available via www.wassermanboxing.com

Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) will be counting on the support of the North East to get him over the line when he competes against Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) for the WBO International Super Welterweight Championship on Saturday July 30 at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, free-to-air and live on Channel 5.

This is an unbelievable chance for one of these fighters to break into the world rankings with the WBO. After a dominant performance against Peter Kramer, Kelly will look to carry that confidence to cement himself into the world rankings.

Alongside the reward of a world ranking also comes big fights. With the division being held up by undisputed champion Jermell Charlo, Kelly will be looking to reintroduce himself dramatically onto the global scene of the super welterweight division.

Now Kelly not only has the thrill of fighting in front of his own, but a title on the line certainly adds any final elements of motivation needed. Having been given the news, Kelly was elated and confident that this was only the start of big things to come.

“I’m buzzing, and I’m ready. There’s no reason to sugar-coat the fact that my opponent will be putting even more into training to come and try to cause an upset,” said Kelly. “We are covering all bases in camp, and when you have world title aspirations you make sure you’re preparing like a world champion.”

He continues, “The WBO belt adds that additional spice to things, and it’s about me going out there and being Josh Kelly that will see it leaving the arena with me in front of my friends and family. We are the North East, and we don’t do things in half-measures. On fight night, i’ll be there to push the pace and show why this will be the first belt of many.”

Bastida will be providing a very real threat to the title aspirations of Sunderland’s ‘PBK’. At 25-years-old the Argentine has had additional rounds, but holds a similar record to Kelly in only having one loss and one draw on his record. The narrow margins between the fighters guarantee a technical and excellent battle between two men looking to give it all to claim the belt and move on to endless possibilities in their next fight.

After two hugely successful terrestrial television shows, the announcement of a title promises to entertain all those in attendance at the Vertu Motors Arena as well as the Channel 5 audience. Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, expressed his delight for Kelly and the doors it could open to get the North East boy back where he belongs.

“Josh Kelly fighting for titles feels like one of the most natural things in boxing,” said Sauerland. “His pedigree and his ability rightfully have him fighting for the WBO International belt when we blow the roof off the Vertu Motors Arena. This will stick Josh’s name exactly where it belongs and sets up an exciting future where massive fights can be made for our former Olympian. Newcastle, be ready!”

The North East takeover is coming as Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) vs. Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) headline on an electric fight night. Olympic hero Pat McCormack (1-0, 1 KO) also stars, alongside Harlem Eubank (14-0, 6 KOs) as he continues his title charge against Tom ‘Fazza’ Farrell (21-5, 5 KOs). Heavyweights Hosea Stewart (2-0) and Franklin Ignatius (3-0, 1 KO) guaranteed to produce fireworks amongst top local talent such as Mark Dickinson (3-0, 1 KO), ‘Drago’ Steve Robinson (4-1, 3 KOs), Kai Richmond (1-0), Ben Marksby (4-0), Lisa Whiteside (3-0, 1KO) and Jordan Barker-Porter (3-1) on an unforgettable night in the North East. Wasserman Boxing heads to the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle for a massive night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday July 30, live on Channel 5 in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.
 
Tickets priced £40, £80, £100 and £200 are on sale now and available via www.wassermanboxing.com

After the dismantling of Peter Kramer in Liverpool, Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) wastes no time in returning to action as he leads the North East takeover on July 30 in Newcastle. Live on Channel 5, Kelly faces one of the toughest challenges of his career when he faces ‘El Tornado’ Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs).

The calculated and methodical win for Kelly last time out showed the boxing intelligence of Sunderland’s ‘PBK’, but Bastida will be coming to provide a much sterner test at Super Welterweight. Having suffered defeat only once, the Argentine fighter will be coming to try and spoil the party in the main event.

It will be an eagerly contested fight, as both men hold similar records. Both fighters suffering one loss and one draw, as well as sharing around a 50% KO ratio too. Both men also in their twenties, with Kelly the more experienced at 28-years-old. It is the opportunity for two young and hungry fighters to steal the show on an electric Saturday July 30 event in Newcastle, and put themselves into contention for serious title honours.

“He is a tough South American who has plenty of experience for a fighter who is 25-years-old. To only have one loss on his record shows how tough he is, there’s no doubt he’ll be coming to win,” said Kelly.

“He’s someone who is going to give me the hard rounds I need to get back into the mix for big fights and major titles. It’s very much the same from me though – I’m coming to show my class and I’ll be looking to get him out, 100%.” 

Argentine Bastida will be coming to conduct his own takeover as he’ll be looking to capitalise on a TKO win in a South American title bout in his last fight. He will also be confident in the fact he will be the taller fighter, as the 25-year-old stands at 6’1” and edges Kelly with 8 more rounds under his belt.

After analysing the career of Kelly, it is Bastida who believes he will come out on top having found what he believes to be is the winning formula for this fight.

“Josh Kelly has Olympic experience, he’s a good boxer and very fast. I saw in his fight against Avanesyan that he got knocked down, and then he got stopped, so I think the key to victory will be to go to war from the beginning of the fight,” said Bastida.

“For me this is my first fight abroad, I’m a warrior in life so I’ll be going to war as soon as the bell rings.”

Following the format of his nickname, “El Tornado” will be looking to arrive and cause as much destruction as possible before moving on. Kelly has stated before that he is back with vengeance, and will be happy to weather any condition that the Argentine throws his way.

It is guaranteed to be an unbelievable atmosphere at the Vertu Motors Arena, and the main event promises to blow the roof off when two warriors meet to mark one of these impressive records with a rare blemish.

A Super Lightweight showdown has been added to the card, with Harlem Eubank (14-0, 6KOs) squaring off against Tom ‘Fazza’ Farrell (21-5, 5 KOs). Both fighters will be brimming with confidence off the back of wins in their last bouts.

Farrell defeated a potential Nigerian nightmare in Olaide Fijabi at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool earlier this month, as he answered all the questions to outpoint his opponent in a hard-fought contest. Having come through the six-round fight, Farrell will be looking to call upon a similar approach to overcome an undefeated Harlem Eubank.

A second-round KO proved to be one of the highlights of the night in London on May 13 when Eubank caught his opponent flush to end the fight against Sean Dodd. The Brighton man continues heading in an upward trajectory in a professional career that is yet to taste defeat.

With each performance, Eubank continues to show his development and ever-growing intentions for bigger fights and bigger honours. The 28-year-old will now be looking for another statement win against a tough Farrell to put his name in contention for titles.  

The big boys join the North East takeover also, as Hosea Stewart (2-0) faces Franklin Ignatius (3-0, 1 KO) in the Heavyweight division. Zero losses on each man’s record, and the ‘0’ has to go as two young fighters look to put their name in lights at the Vertu Motors Arena.

Stewart will be going in search of the first knockout win of his fledgling professional boxing career as the 24-year-old will be looking to steal the limelight at the North East takeover. Ignatius will be coming to grab headlines of his own and add another knockout to his undefeated record.

The North East takeover is coming as Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) Vs. Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) headlines on an electric fight night, featuring Harlem Eubank (14-0, 6 KOs) as he continues his charge towards titles against Tom ‘Fazza’ Farrell (21-5, 5 KOs). A boxing debut in Newcastle for Aaron Chalmers (1-0) as he looks to star in his second professional fight in front of a packed out arena in his home city, with Hosea Stewart (2-0) and Franklin Ignatius (3-0, 1 KO) set to shake the arena in a Heavyweight contest guaranteed to produce fireworks. Wasserman Boxing heads to the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle for a massive night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday July 30, live on Channel 5 in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.

Tickets priced £40, £80, £100 and £200 are one sale now and available via www.wassermanboxing.com