Josh Kelly grounded despite title success as big homecoming teased

Josh Kelly believes his world title success has not changed him, and vowed to push on for the "big fights" as he eyes up a Stadium of Light homecoming bout.

The Sunderland native scored a majority decision over Bakhram Murtazaliev to become IBF super-welterweight champion last month at Newcaste's Utilita Arena.

Since then, Kelly has been linked to a number of opponents, with fellow WBA champion Xander Zayas emerging as a leading candidate for a unification clash.

Speaking from ringside at the Leigh Wood-Josh Warrington 2 fight night in Nottingham, the star insisted he remains grounded however, while teasing his plans.

"From the outside, yes, but me as a person, I'll never change," he said. "My mum and dad will always humble me, so I'll never get above myself. But it is crazy.

"It's harder doing it than saying it, but it is a good moment. I think Frank Smith got emotional! I was tearing up in the back all night. It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing.

"You never become world champion [for the first time] again. Now I've done it, the world's my oyster. I'm going to push on and try and make these big fights.

"A Stadium of Light [homecoming], that will be absolutely filled to the rafters. It's a great time to be a guy from Sunderland. We'll make it a red-and-white party."

Sign up to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get PPV's included in your subscription 

Subscribe to DAZN's new Ultimate Tier to get a minimum of 12 PPV events included per year, including Barrois vs Garcia, on top of another 185 fight nights. Plus Serie A football, watch on multiple devices, and many more extra benefits.

Sign up for £22.99 in the UK / $44.99 in the U.S. More details here .