Boxer Conner Kelsall eyes European crown in Rotherham
ROTHERHAM looks set to host a European championship title fight in May – with hometown boxer Conner Kelsall leading the card.
Kelsall, who was born in Rotherham and lives in Conisbrough, will have the chance to extend his unbeaten record to 14 straight victories while adding a European crown to a CV that already includes the Commonwealth and English flyweight titles.
The 27-year-old, who works as a bar manager away from the ring, has boxed only once since the summer of 2024 and is eager to get back in action when he faces southpaw opponent Joel Santos. Santos now lives in Italy but hails from the Dominican Republic.
Kelsall has more professional experience than his opponent but insists he will not be taking anything for granted.
The bout is set to take place at the Magna Centre.
Kelsall wrote on social media: "After what feels like a lifetime of waiting, I am beyond buzzing to finally announce my next fight! On May 2, I will be stepping into the ring for the EBU Flyweight Championship.
"And the best part? We are bringing a massive European title fight right to our doorstep at the Magna Centre in Rotherham.
"This venue holds so much history for me. It’s the very place I won the Tri-Nations (as an amateur) and where I lifted my English professional title (2022).
"Now, I’m coming back to capture European gold."
The title shot has been a long time coming for Kelsall.
"I won’t lie to you all, it’s been a very long, hard road to get to this point,” he added.
"I’ve been the mandatory challenger for this belt for almost two years. I’ve had to deal with the frustration of multiple opportunities falling through, but I kept my head down and never stopped working.
"A massive thank-you has to go to my manager, Ryan Rhodes. Thank you for your relentless work behind the scenes, for never giving up, and for finally getting this over the line – especially bringing it so close to home.
"Now, I need my people. I need my community, my village, and every single supporter to get behind me for this one.
"Let’s pack the Magna Centre out and blow the roof off the place! Let’s make history together and crown our village’s FIRST EVER European Champion."