Glenn Kelly to face Roy Jones February 2

By Paul Upham Australia’s IBF No.1 Glenn Kelly confirmed on Friday night in Sydney that he will finally get his chance at facing undisputed light heavyweight champion Roy Jones on February 2-in the USA. “I’ve signed a contract and believe now that the fight will happen,” said Kelly 28-0-1 (15), who was at Star City Casino to support Team Fenech stablemate Nader Hamdan.

“It’s going to be a huge occasion and I’m going to go over there and I’m going to give it my all. I couldn’t understand why guys that were rated No.7 and No. 8 were all getting shots while I have been rated No.1 for over 12 months. I’m every bit as good as them blokes getting a shot.”

Kelly will travel to Las Vegas on October 29 with trainer Jeff Fenech to support Kostya Tszyu in his clash with Zab Judah on November 3 whilst getting a weeks sparring against some highly rated Americans.

Fenech and Kelly will then return to Australia and set up training camp at the end of November about 10 weeks out from the fight, “I don’t want to peak too soon,” said Kelly.

A very big light-heavyweight, Kelly will be looking to use his size and power against the smaller Jones, 45-1 (36), in attempt to hurt the undisputed champion early. “I’m nervous before any fight and it hasn’t really hit me just yet about fighting Roy Jones. He’s the greatest fighter in the world, but on any good night he can be beaten,” said Kelly.

“He’s only human. I only have to hit him with a couple of good shots and I’m sure that I can hurt him because I’ve seen him be hurt by guys who ain’t as big a punchers as me. Hopefully I can land something good on him early and get his respect straight away.”

Paul Upham
Contributing Editor