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Assuming it actually happens this time, December 19th's middleweight title bout between Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders won't be the only WBO championship on the line in Manchester. Super welterweight titlist Liam Smith will make his first defense on the card, facing unbeaten countryman "Jimmy" Kelly.
Confirmed: @LiamBeefySmith will defend his WBO World title against @jimmykellyjnr on Dec 19's huge show #LeeSaunders pic.twitter.com/px0wCuvucE
— BoxNation (@boxnationtv) November 11, 2015
This will be the second time Smith has been booked on this fight's undercard during its amazing journey.
Smith (21-0-1, 11 KO) stopped John Thompson in seven last month, earning the vacant WBO belt and his sixth-straight (T)KO. Smith also became the first of four brothers to earn a world title, which I'm certain he will not be letting them forget during Thanksgiving dinner.
Kelly (16-0, 7 KO), a 23-year-old competitor with less than four years' professional experience under his belt, is less than a year removed from a four-round fight with a 2-4-1 opponent. BoxNation was quick to rush to his defense as a legitimate challenger.
@stotheb97 Jimmy is ranked #8 with the WBO mate. Highest ranked available contender. Both unbeaten, North-West derby!
— BoxNation (@boxnationtv) November 11, 2015
They are, of course, full of shit and Smith is going to smash his face. At least he's staying busy, right?