Josh “Pretty Boy” Kelly believes he is a year-and-a-half away from taking on the star names in the illustrious welterweight division as he looks to make a big impact on his American debut this weekend.

The 25-year-old from Sunderland puts his WBA International belt on the line against American Ray Robinson on the undercard to Anthony Joshua’s unified heavyweight title fight with Andy Ruiz Jr at Madison Square Garden, New York, on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Like Joshua and also fellow Olympian, ‘PBK’ is hoping to shine on his first trip across the Atlantic as a professional.

The 33-year old southpaw from Philadelphia has lost just three times in a 28-fight career and has previously taken current WBC world champion Shawn Porter the distance.

Speaking on the upcoming fight Josh Kelly has been quoted as saying “This is huge, it’s just the next step in the progression of a fighter,” Kelly, unbeaten in nine fights since turning over, said.

“I’m going to soak it all up, the bigger the occasion and the better the opponent, the better I will perform. On Saturday, I will be wide awake and alert. If I’m switched on, it could be a really good night

“It’s a massive step-up, [Robinson] is a great fighter, a southpaw who is long and awkward. This is part and parcel of the game, I have to figure them out, break these guys down and get the win.

“We always do it in style. The welterweight division is tough, with top competitors at the highest level. In 12-18 months’ time, these steps will make the difference when I’m mixing it.”

Watch Josh Kelly vs Ray Robinson on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office, from 10pm. Book it via your Sky remote or book it online

By Kenny Leavett.