Kelly geared up for debut on world stage

Eric Perkins
Friday 29 September 2000 19:00 EDT
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Damaen Kelly aims to secure his fourth major title in just 14 fights tonight in Peterborough. The Ulsterman challenges the International Boxing Organisation's flyweight champion, Zodile Mbityi from South Africa, believing he is about to start his assault on the world scene.

Damaen Kelly aims to secure his fourth major title in just 14 fights tonight in Peterborough. The Ulsterman challenges the International Boxing Organisation's flyweight champion, Zodile Mbityi from South Africa, believing he is about to start his assault on the world scene.

A former British and Commonwealth champion, Kelly vacated the European flyweight championship this week in order to focus on world honours.

"This is my big chance to break through and go for the big prizes," he said. "This means so much to me, to win a version of the world title. It is the first step towards taking on the other champion. It's only my 14th fight but I believe it has come at the right time and is a stepping stone to bigger things.

"My preparation has gone very well and I have just had to keep an eye on my weight over the last few days. I am feeling very sharp."

Mbityi has an indifferent record, which includes a loss to Liverpool's World Boxing Union champion Peter Culshaw, a possible future opponent for Kelly.

Kelly added: "I am expecting a hard night's work, I am not taking anything for granted. He is an experienced fighter and I have to give him respect. But whatever I need to do to win I'll do it. I believe I'll bring home the belt."

Kelly's most impressive performance came in June when he comprehensively outpointed the former WBO champion Jose Lopez Bueno of Spain, despite being floored in the early stages.

"That was one of my best performances - even when I was put down I stayed cool and just got right back to my boxing. You have to be ready for anything." Such a form guide certainly makes Kelly a strong favourite to lift the title.

Shane Mosley, in the first defence of his World Boxing Council welterweight title, will fight Antonio Diaz on 4 November at the Madison Square Gardens. Mosley (34-0 with 32 knockouts) beat Oscar De La Hoya on 17 June. There was talk of a rematch, but De La Hoya last month sued Bob Arum, to end his contract with the promoter.

"I'm disappointed the fight is not going to take place when it was supposed to," said Mosley.

"He's gotten into a lot of trouble, has a lot of things going on his life. I can understand that. I'm going to be around for a long time. When he's ready to take that step, I'll be ready."

Mosley has not had any contact with De La Hoya since their fight. "I haven't seen Oscar in person, anywhere," he said. "As far as the legal stuff is concerned, I guess that kind of stuff happens, sometimes. If the spotlight's on you, trouble seems to find you."

Mosely is apparently thinking about moving up to the super-welterweight division (154kg) but that is a decision for the future. "I think there's still a couple fights down here at 147," he said. "From there, we'll see where we'll go."

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