In the super-welterweight main event on the June 6th Wasserman Boxing show, live on Channel 5, Josh Kelly (17-1-1, 9 KOs) faced Flavius Biea (24-2, 12 KOs) in arguably the most important fight of his career.
The former British champion has voiced his frustration at being widely avoided, so he was intent on delivering a statement win to send a warning to his British rivals, which he did so emphatically.
"Pretty Boy" Kelly started brightly, confidently letting his hands go in combinations right from the off.
He looked sharp and composed, boxing behind a Philly Shell stance, using his fast feet to back up out of trouble when Biea attempted to throw a left hook early on.
Then, Kelly landed three swift left hooks - one to head, two to body. He used his sharp jab to line Biea up and keep him where he wanted him.
Biea was able to land a grazing left hook as Kelly was pivoting away to his left, midway through the opener.
Then, Kelly exploded into a powerful left hook that sent Biea wobbling to the canvas. The Romanian took his time getting back to his feet, but he was too unsteady on jellified legs to continue, so referee Reece Carter called the fight off at 2:03 in the first round.
“PBK” was on a different level to his opponent, despite the European experiencing over 300 amateur bouts.
It was the 31-year-old Sunderland star's third first-round KO of his career, but most importantly, the former Olympian delivered the statement win he promised, sending a stark warning to the rest of his British rivals in and around super-welterweight.