David Haye believes Josh Kelly is a future star of British boxing - and has backed him to be ready for a world title in 12 to 18 months.
The Sunderland pugilist capped off a stunning first year as a professional by recording his fifth victory in his first ten-round contest, defeating Jean Michel Hamilcaro in six rounds.
It was a big step-up for the Rio 2016 Olympian against a far more experienced IBF Mediterranean champion. And Kelly certainly caught the eye of Haye.
“Josh Kelly has looked brilliant so far - he hasn’t put a foot wrong. He really looks the part,” Haye said.
“There’s some exciting talent coming through in Britain at the moment and Josh is certainly one of best. I’m expecting big things from him, if I’m honest.
“He will be representing the North East on a world level - not domestic, not European, at world level. He’s that good.
“I’m really looking forward to watching his career unfold.
“He was meant to be on the undercard of the Bellew rematch, we really wanted him on the show because he’s so exciting.
“The North East have a genuine talent in Josh Kelly and I expect within the next year to 18 months he will be ready to fight for a world title.”
Kelly is trained by the man who was in the corner as Haye himself became a two-weight world champion - Adam Booth.
And although he no longer works with Booth, Haye believes there’s no one better at this moment for the 23-year-old.
Haye continued: “Having someone like Adam Booth in the corner - I know from experience as he guided me to a world title - he’s definitely in the best camp there.
“The performances speak for themselves and as I know Adam is a great person to guide someone like Josh to a world title.
“For him to step up to ten-rounders in just his fifth fight says exactly what Booth thinks of him.”
Kelly has certainly caught the eye of boxing fans.
A big draw now, he signed a new three-year deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing after the win, ensuring his future fights will be on Sky Sports. He’s also part of the festive JD Sports advert.
And another former world champion, Sky pundit Jonny Nelson, has compared him to Prince Naseem Hamed - one of the most popular British boxers of the last 30 years.
Nelson, who trained alongside Hamed, told Sky Sports: “I think he showed there that he’s better when he comes up against a fighter who’ll come on the offensive because he slipped the shots with ease.
“His character is excellent. He has a similar style to Naz. I remember when I used to watch Naz and I’d think ‘Naz what are you doing man, are you crazy?’
“But just like Naz, Josh is very quiet out of the ring but in it he’s very flashy. What he does you don’t teach that in the gym, that’s just a style he has instinctively. This kid will only get better.”