By Mohamed Bahaa
The middleweight fight against Liam Smith is scheduled for September 21st at Wembley Stadium. Trainer Adam Booth and boxer Josh Kelly are currently preparing intensively for their fight against Liam Smith. Although there are many rumors, Booth stresses that they are counting on Kelly’s development and preparation and not on a decline in Smith’s performance.
The opposing paths of the two boxers have sparked interest in the fight, which took place unannounced as the undercard to the IBF heavyweight title fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. Smith lost to Chris Eubank Jr. last year, which was a blow as his only previous loss by stoppage was to the fearsome Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in 2016. However, Booth is more concerned about Smith’s peak form than any potential ripple effects of the loss.
Veteran strategist Booth sees the similarities between this fight and Kelly’s last fight against David Avanesyan, where Kelly lost his first professional fight. Based on this experience, Booth is sure that at thirty, Kelly is more developed both physically and mentally and is ready for the task. “I think it’s the right time because Josh has moved up and that’s all.”
Booth, who knows the dangers the 36-year-old boxer poses, appreciates Smith’s experience and tenacity. He believes Kelly is ready to handle whatever Smith brings to the ring. “At some point you have to test yourself in fights like these and I know Josh is ready for that now,” Booth noted.
While some found the fight announcement surprising, it was a calculated move for Booth and Kelly based on months of preparation. Kelly’s recent performance, including a stoppage win over Placido Ramirez, suggested he was ready for more public events. Among potential rivals, Smith showed interest, making this fight a sure thing.
Kelly’s road to this point has been full of challenges, including mental health issues that have hampered his previous success. But Kelly has grown significantly as a person thanks to mental coach Steven Green, and Booth believes that will make all the difference in this fight. Changing him as a man means the war will never return, so now it’s all about his skills, will and physicality, Booth said.
The stakes are high as Kelly prepares to face Smith, but Booth is confident his warrior is ready. This fight is a test of Kelly’s strength and development as a fighter, not just his skills.
