Tim Bradley Says Josh Kelly Would Be Tougher Test For Jaron Ennis Than Vergil Ortiz Jr.

The former world champion believes Kelly’s movement and ring craft would test Ennis more than the aggressive style of Vergil Ortiz Jr

Tim Bradley has delivered an unexpected verdict on Jaron “Boots” Ennis’ toughest potential opponent at junior middleweight. Rather than picking Vergil Ortiz Jr., Bradley believes Josh Kelly’s movement, speed and boxing ability would create the more difficult assignment.

“I think Josh Kelly’s a little bit more difficult fight, believe it or not, than Vergil Ortiz. Styles make fights,” said Bradley on his channel. “Josh Kelly don’t look like much, but he’s quick. He got good reflexes. He got some pop on his shots. He’s very deceiving. And he got legs. He gonna move around all night. Boots gonna have to chase. He gonna have to chase.”

Bradley compared Kelly’s style with Vergil Jr’s aggressive approach, saying Ennis has historically performed best against opponents who come forward looking to exchange.

“They like guys that stand in front of them. Vergil Ortiz, yeah, they like guys that stand in front of them,” Bradley said.

Despite calling Kelly the trickier matchup, Bradley still expects Ennis to win. He believes the unified champion would eventually solve Kelly’s movement by cutting off the ring and landing combinations that break through the British contender’s defense.

“I think Boots will eventually catch up with him, cut him off, hurt him with a big shot,” Bradley said. “As long as Boots is pressing forward, cutting off the ring, preparing himself for boxers, he should have no problem beating Josh Kelly. However, it’s going to take a little bit more time for him to get to him.”

Kelly (18-1-1, 9 KOs) has rebuilt his career since suffering the lone defeat of his professional career to David Avanesyan in 2021. The former Olympian has won seven straight fights and has repeatedly called for a world title opportunity.

Ortiz (24-0, 22 KOs), meanwhile, remains one of the leading names in the division after defeating Israil Madrimov and Bakhram Murtazaliev. A fight between Ortiz and Ennis has been discussed for months and is viewed by many fans as one of the biggest matchups that can be made at 154 pounds.

Bradley’s comments are likely to spark debate, as Vergil Jr. is widely regarded as the more dangerous puncher. Bradley, however, believes Kelly’s mobility and elusive style would require Ennis to solve a different kind of puzzle before getting the victory.

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