“In Newcastle, we just saw Josh Kelly glide past Gabriel Corzo. It was smooth sailing,” says Kalle Sauerland, speaking to ProBoxTV. He describes it as a fight that demonstrated different versions of Josh Kelly.
“We saw one Josh on the back foot, one on the front foot, well in the center of the ring. We had an opponent tonight who was very awkward, tough, and at times dirty.”
He goes on to express his satisfaction with Josh Kelly’s progress, viewing the fight as the first step in a new chapter.
“When he boxed against Troy Williamson in December, you could see that he’d adapted. Tonight, he was successful on the counters. The fight switched to the middle of the ring, and that’s where Josh had a lot of success.”
Despite his solid performance, Josh was critical of himself, “When I got in the ring, he didn’t look happy at all. But that’s a bit of Adam as well. They both have that mindset to step it up.”
Pay-per-view Potential and Boxing Politics
Talk turns to the business side of boxing. The conversation weaves through the pay-per-view potential of different fights, revealing the inner workings of the sport. “He’s got pay-per-view star potential,” Kalle declares about Josh Kelly
In this respect, he sees potential big-ticket fights with Conor Benn, Kell Brook, or Chris Eubank Jr, if the boxing politics allow. “When you’ve got those two domestic names in the UK, especially at top level, it always comes up with something special.”
“The name out there that everyone seems to like is Tim Tszyu.” However, there might be possibilities for a vacant title fight or a situation involving the IBF.
Regardless, the wheels of boxing keep turning, and Sauerland is ready to adjust. “It’s got to fit into the Autumn for us. We’re not ready to go unfortunately next month.”
The Future of Mairis Briedis
Finally, the topic shifts to Mairis Briedis, who was supposed to come to Edinburgh but didn’t due to a setback in his camp.
“There’s two different [fight] options on the table. One is at Cruiserweight, and there is an interesting opportunity,” Sauerland hints.
Despite the setback, he believes Briedis still has it. “He’s mad about the sport, he loves it. Maybe after his career, we’ll see him involved with Misfits as a trainer or presenter or something like that.”
