Josh Kelly Delivers Dazzling Knockout Against Flavius Biea
A blast of anticipation swept through Newcastle Arena when Josh Kelly made his return to super-welterweight, and he lived up to every bit of the hype. On June 6, 2025, Kelly squared off against Romanian veteran Flavius Biea in a match that was supposed to test his readiness among boxing's elite at 154 pounds. Instead, it turned into a breathtaking showcase of speed and precision: Kelly bulldozed Biea with a first-round knockout, barely giving fans or his opponent a chance to blink.
Broadcast live on Channel 5 for the UK crowd and TrillerTV for viewers in the US, the fight drew in boxing fans who remembered Kelly’s Olympic pedigree and his turbulent journey since turning pro in 2017. This matchup marked his return to the division after a brief stint at middleweight, where he had picked up a solid win against Ishmael Davis last year. Coming into this fight, Kelly’s record stood at 16-1-1 with eight knockouts, and he was carrying significant expectations as WBC #11, WBO #4, and IBF #4 at super-welterweight—positions that keep him in close range for a world title shot.
Breakdown: From the Opening Bell to the Knockout
Kelly wasted no time asserting himself in the ring. He launched quick, punishing combinations that caught Biea flat-footed in the opening moments. It was clear right away that Biea, with a 24-1 record and 149 professional rounds behind him, would have to dig deep to cope with Kelly’s timing and reflexes. But before the Romanian could settle into a defensive rhythm, Kelly landed a crisp series of punches that sent shockwaves through the crowd—and Biea to the canvas. The referee didn’t hesitate to wave it off, marking one of the most efficient nights of Kelly’s professional career.
The fight was scheduled for ten rounds, but Kelly had no intention of letting it go that far. His victory not only improved his record to 17-1-1 with 9 knockouts but also sent a strong message to other contenders in the super-welterweight division. Biea, experienced and durable at 35, had never been stopped this quickly. Known as an orthodox, technical fighter, Biea simply couldn’t match Kelly’s aggressive start and accuracy. For fans, Kelly’s performance wasn’t just about power—it was his ability to dictate pace, find openings, and finish decisively.
This win is also a personal statement for Kelly, who has openly talked about his redemption arc since a disappointing loss to David Avanesyan in 2021. That setback had rattled his momentum, but if the Newcastle stoppage is any sign, Kelly’s confidence and sharpness are right back on track. And with international coverage shining a spotlight on his skills, UK fans and boxing insiders are buzzing with talk about what— and who — comes next for this British contender at the top of his game.
