Josh Kelly v Ishmael Davis: Prediction, Tips & Odds

bet365's boxing expert Rob Tebbutt looks ahead to Josh Kelly's in-ring return against Ishmael Davis in London on Saturday night and divulges where he believes the betting value lies.

Josh Kelly v Ishmael Davis Tips

Josh Kelly - By Decision / technical Decision @ 10/11
Ishmael Davis - Between Rounds 7 - 12 @ 10/1

Josh Kelly will now face Ishmael Davis on the Daniel Dubois v Anthony Joshua undercard after an injury to Liam Smith forced a late change in opponent.

Kelly, once touted as a future star of the sport, is unbeaten in his last five since his sole career defeat to David Avanesyan in February 2021, but now faces the less-than-ideal prospect of a complete change in opponent just a week out from arguably his most important night.

Still something of an unknown quantity, Sheffield’s Davis steps in at the eleventh hour with an opportunity to change his career and, indeed, life with a win.

It’s worth noting that despite the gulf in experience and time as a professional, both men arguably share the ‘best’ win of their respective careers with a pair of decisions over Troy Williamson.

This is a well-matched fight that, at such late notice, is a potential banana skin for the flashy Kelly.

Having prepared for the come-forward, compact style of Smith, to now switch focus to the cagey, switch-hitting style of Davis is quite the about face. Davis has been in the gym ahead of his slated-return at the end of October and is fully confident of spoiling the part for ‘PBK’ at Wembley.

I think a play of Kelly to win by Decision/Technical Decision feels like a good price, with the Sunderland star not-known for his punching power and Davis showing little signs of fragility so far in his career.

For the underdog bettors, it could be worth a punt on the late-replacement Davis to win by KO/TKO in Rounds 7-12 at a clearly lofty price.

We’ve seen Kelly fade late in fights and Davis will surely look to make Kelly work with a view to grinding him down.

Early on, I expect Kelly’s speed and skill-set to do the job, but he may have to tough it out late - so a decision bet for Kelly with a small ‘saver’ on Davis late-on should cover most bases.

Josh Kelly v Ishmael Davis Odds

(Odds will display when markets are available).

Rob Tebbutt

• • 
  •