A Wasserman Boxing promoted card takes place at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle this Saturday evening, and at the head of affairs, Josh Kelly vies for the vacant WBO International super welterweight title against Argentina’s Lucas Bastida over a scheduled ten rounds.
Channel 5 televise Kelly vs Bastida live in the UK.
Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) has recently been mandated to face fellow North East native, Troy Williamson for the British title, in what would be a mouthwatering clash, but first, ‘PBK’ must deal with his South American opposition this weekend, and it’s important that he does it in style.
The Sunderland man has largely flattered to deceive in his professional career thus far, after a stellar amateur career, and after impressing early on.
The 28-year-old was held to a draw by Ray Robinson in June 2019, before being beaten heavily by David Avanesyan for the European welterweight title in February last year.
Kelly was stopped in six one-sided rounds, and was forced to rethink, which prompted a move up in weight.
That debut at 154 pounds came last month, where he stopped Peter Kramer in four rounds in Liverpool.
Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) comes to Newcastle having never fought outside his homeland.
The 25-year-old was stopped in three rounds early on in his career, but is a South American champion at middleweight.
He was held to a draw over ten by Juan Manuel Taborda last October, but he was last out in May, stopping the unbeaten Luis Enrique Rivero in two rounds.
Prediction: Kelly should have the ideal opponent to look good against here, and Bastida should come to engage with him, which should play into the home favourite’s hands. I expect Kelly to deal with Bastida within four rounds.
Looking forward to the @WassermanBoxing show this weekend in the NE live on @Channel5Sport @channel5_tv
Im there to support my good friend and up and coming prospect @BMarksby
And also keep an eye in the main event 👀 #KellyBastida#LETSGOBABY #TROJAN⚔️⚔️⚔️
— 𝐓𝐖 (@TroyWilliamson_) July 25, 2022
Eubank clashes with Chavez
Harlem Eubank appears on the undercard, and the Brighton was due to take on Tom Farrell over a scheduled ten rounds, but now meets late replacement, Eliot Chavez instead over the same distance.
Eubank (14-0, 6 KOs) has stepped up in class of late, and passed tests with flying colours.
His last contest saw him wipe out former Commonwealth champion Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd in two rounds, and the 28-year-old cousin of Chris Eubank Jr, has carried power of late.
Chavez (11-4-1, 6 KOs) shouldn’t be too much of a roadblock, and has been stopped three times in four defeats.
Prediction: The Mexican has also never fought outside of his homeland, and Eubank should be able to get a stoppage win.
Remaining Undercard
2020 Olympic Silver medalist, Pat McCormack (1-0, 1 KOs) has his second pro fight, and the super welterweight from Sunderland should halt Dimitri Trenel (8-1, 4 KOs), who was stopped in three by Cyrus Pattinson in his last outing.
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Heavyweight prospect, Hosea Stewart (2-0, KO0) also features and the Midlander should be able to win the battle of unbeatens on the cards against Franklin Ignatius (4-0, 1 KO).
