Agreement reached as exciting title fight is sanctioned for ‘The Beginning’ card

The vacant BUI Celtic light welterweight title will be on the line when Karl Kelly and Victor Rabei fight at the National Stadium on July 7th.

Both fighters and their respective management outfits – JB Promotions and Assassin Promotions – who co promote the ‘The Beginning’ fight night, had agreed terms to fight over eight rounds and were hopeful that the stepping stone title would be on the line on a card that looks likely to get television coverage.

The match-up looks to be an exciting clash of styles, with Kelly [1(0)-1(0)] a come-forward brawler and the slick Rabei [4(1)-0] having an impressive start to pro life. Add to this a bit of needle, with Kelly claiming he knocked down Rabei in the amateurs, something the Moldovan-born fighter denies.

However, the Boxing Union of Ireland first wanted proof Kelly could fight at light welterweight – and just as they requested Roy Sheehan have a four round fight prior to entering Last Man Standing – they asked that the Declan Geraghty Snr-trained fighter trade leather at 140lbs over six before they ratified the title fight.

BUI welterweight Celtic champion and show promoter Jay Byrne was upset about the decision and vocal about his objections. Byrne noted how Kelly was extremely competitive over six rounds versus English hot prospect Lucas Ballingall at super featherweight and pointed out how an interim bout was an extra outlay his debut show didn’t need.

However, Team Kelly had explored the option and were set to travel to Mexico for a six round clash in a bid to ensure the title was on the line come July until a compromise was reached today.

After a meeting between the promoter and the board, Kelly took to the scales at BUI headquarters and showed footage of him competing at the weight in a semi-pro capacity. Obviously happy with what they saw, the board have sanctioned the fight.

The BUI confirmed the matter on social media tonight.

The BUI received a request to sanction a Light-Welterweight Celtic Title fight between Karl Kelly and Victor Rabei. That bout was accepted by the ratings committee provided that Karl fight a Light Welterweight bout against a reputable opponent.

— BoxingUnionOfIreland (@boxingunionIRL) May 10, 2018

That interim bout has now been waived by the BUI as Karl attended a weigh-in at our offices this morning and produced video of his success as an amateur and semi pro at 140lbs.

— BoxingUnionOfIreland (@boxingunionIRL) May 10, 2018

That interim bout has now been waived by the BUI as Karl attended a weigh-in at our offices this morning and produced video of his success as an amateur and semi pro at 140lbs.

— BoxingUnionOfIreland (@boxingunionIRL) May 10, 2018

Therefore we are happy to sanction the bout between Karl and Victor for the BUI Celtic Light-Welterweight title. The very best of luck to both men.

— BoxingUnionOfIreland (@boxingunionIRL) May 10, 2018

gotta say thanks to the @boxingunionIRL as they are working with us and been very fair to helping us promote our show ! https://t.co/9oQIQpbbqm

— Jay Byrne (@JayByrneKO) May 10, 2018

It’s a big boost for the show and a boost in terms of bringing another domestic title into play. The winner of the July 7th clash will almost certainly be on the radar of Martin Quinn – who has already called for the fight – while others such as Stephen Carroll, Jake Hanney, and even lightweight Ray Moylette may also be interested.

Kelly still may fight in Mexico in the coming weeks, with an itinerary already planned which will see him spend some time training at the famous Wild Card Gym – however, this is unconfirmed at present.