WEARSIDE Olympian Josh Kelly will make his professional boxing debut in Glasgow next month on the undercard of Ricky Burns’ World Super-Lightweight unification bout with Julius Indongo.

Kelly, who hails from Sunderland, moved into the paid ranks after making the last 16 of the welterweight competition at last summer’s Rio Olympics, and will take on Jay Byrne in his first outing since leaving the amateur scene.

Byrne jumped up two weights at York Hall earlier this month as he suffered a points defeat to middleweight Felix Cash, and the Irishman will be the first to test Kelly, who is training with Adam Booth.

The 22-year-old was one of Britain’s brightest prospects during his amateur days, but feels the professional scene could be a better fit with his strengths.

“I used to be a good fighter, but not a boxer,” said Kelly. “I was a chubby kid and I didn't have much movement, but I used to just stand there and bomb them over. I was fat but fit, and that helped me lose the weight. 

“I did well playing football too playing for Hartlepool and Sunderland but the turning point was when I won the junior ABAs the first time I was in them. I got to the final the year after and lost on a dodgy decision and then won them again. I won the seniors and got picked up by Team GB and never looked back.

“I was unlucky to run into the eventual gold medal winner in Rio, but I think that I’ll prove that turning pro is the right move for me. I’m learning every day with Adam and I’m buzzing to be making my debut on such a huge night.”

Kelly’s debut is part of a big night of action in Glasgow on April 15, with WBA World Super-Lightweight champion Burns looking to unify when he takes on IBF king Indongo.