Wasserman Boxing: Kelly vs. Corzo Preview

Wasserman Boxing: Kelly vs. Corzo Preview

By Matt Elliott

Wasserman Boxing returns to the North East this weekend, as Josh Kelly headlines their Newcastle show, aiming to continue his climb up the super-welterweight rankings, by defeating unbeaten Argentinian, Gabriel Corzo and lifting the WBO international title.

Kelly, who many had written off following his 2021 defeat to David Avanesyan, a fight in which he started strongly but faded quickly before being stopped in round six, comes into this one on the back of three straight victories, the most recent of which saw him take the British title from Troy Williamson, with a dominant display last December. He will be hoping to continue that momentum, but against Corzo, he faces a difficult opponent. The Argentinian made his professional debut in 2016 and has eighteen victories to his name, three of which have come inside the distance, and he will be looking to upset the odds and derail Kelly’s hopes of working his way back into world contention.

In a packed card, the vacant British super-featherweight title is also on the line, as Qais Ashfaq and Liam Dillon battle it out. Asfaq has one defeat to his name, a 2020 defeat to Marc Leach, whilst Dillon comes into the fight still unbeaten. Asfaq, a former member of Team GB will likely start as the favourite, but Dillon comes into the fight full of confidence, having beaten Joshua Wahab in his last outing, and this one could turn into the fight of the night.

In addition to Josh Kelly, there are five other locally based fighters on the show. Troy Williamson makes his return to action, following that December defeat to Kelly, as he takes on Ramiro Blanco. If Kelly is successful on Saturday, there is every chance he will vacate the British title, and Williamson will be hoping to put himself in the position to fight for that again in the future. Steve Robinson takes on Franklin Ignatius in the only heavyweight contest of the evening. Ignatius comes into the contest on the back of a double-header with Hosea Stewart, and against Robinson, he steps up to eight rounds for the first time. Robinson defeated Nick Campbell last time out, and he will be heavily backed by the home crowd. Tenacity Boxing’s Ben Marksby faces Ricardo Fernandez, Kai Richmond meets Karl Sampson and Owen Rees makes his professional debut as he takes on Marius Istrate at super lightweight.

Chloe Watson makes her sixth professional outing as she faces Argentinian, Belen Valdenbito at flyweight. Watson has been impressive to date, and under the tutelage of Ricky Hatton, she has the ability to go far in the game. This is her first time at eight rounds, and it will be interesting to see if that additional time sees her adapt her approach in any way. If she comes through this successfully, a shot at the European title awaits.

Samuel Antwi also features as he takes on Ruben Angulo in the super-welterweight division. Antwi recovered from his only professional defeat to Ekow Essuman in their battle for the British, Commonwealth and IBF European belts last September, by defeating Omir Rodriguez last time out, and he will be a heavy favourite in this one.

Elsewhere Oliver Zaren faces Jay Byrne, Tom Summerbell meets Eligio Palacios and Codie Smith faces Francisco Rodriguez.

The event marks the first time Wasserman Promotions will feature on DAZN.