Kelly Tells Ennis He'll Be 'Bad For Business'

Josh Kelly warned Jaron Ennis he plans to spoil the party when the two meet in a junior middleweight unification early next year.

During a Ring Magazine panel discussion, Devin Haney pressed Kelly on whether promoter Eddie Hearn could serve both fighters equally in a matchup that pits two Matchroom stablemates against each other. Haney, drawing on his own experience fighting Regis Prograis under Hearn's banner, asked Kelly directly if he believed his interests were protected when his promoter also represents the man across the ring.

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Kelly's Response On Hearn's Divided Loyalties

Kelly acknowledged the reality of his situation. He conceded Ennis is Hearn's favoured asset stateside, a bigger draw on DAZN and a stronger business proposition in the American market. But the British contender remained unfazed. "I'm going to be bad for business that night, for the US," Kelly said, per Bad Left Hook.

Hearn, also on the panel, defended his position. He said his role is to deliver the biggest fights and largest purses, then step back once the bell rings. He admitted most observers are looking past Kelly but noted Ennis and his trainer Stephen Edwards are not among them. They know how good he is, Hearn said.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Jaron 'Boots' Ennis vs Josh Kelly - Junior Middleweight World Title Unification on Ticketmaster →

The unification is expected to set up an undisputed showdown for the winner. No date has been confirmed, though early 2027 is the target window.

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• Bad Left Hook — ‘I’m going to be bad for business that night’: Josh Kelly looks to upset the apple cart in unification with Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis