by James Bovington
Holderness boxer Marillious Kelly has won his debut professional fight on a show at Connexin Live in Hull, in what his coach and manager Curtis Woodhouse described as “a fantastic performance from a fighter who’s a breath of fresh air”.
Super-featherweight Marillious did not drop a single point on referee Mark Downing’s scorecard as he defeated Peruvian boxer Rogger Rivera.
Marillious said: “I enjoyed my debut fight and landed some good shots.
“I controlled the fight from the centre and I got a convincing win.
“I know I’ll face sterner and longer tests, but I completely trust Curtis to oversee my transition from amateur to professional.
“I’m determined to fulfil his high expectations and I’m delighted to be part of his 3156 Promotions, showcasing East Yorkshire’s strong boxing talent.
“I’m prepared to fight anyone and am looking forward to another bout before Christmas.”
Marillious said his focus is now firmly on building his professional career, with daily work at the Clough Road gym and regular strength and conditioning sessions.
He said: “I’m exclusively focused on my boxing and train every day at the Clough Road gym.
“I also have twice-weekly strength and conditioning sessions.
“I love the consistency of the training routine and the physical and mental fitness that comes with being a professional boxer.
“No shortcuts. Success must be earned.”
Marillious was a relative latecomer to boxing, but quickly made up for lost time after first being introduced to the sport through Hull College.
He said: “The 14-16 programme at Hull College led to me training at St Paul’s Boxing Academy under Mike Bromby.
“This sent my life in a new direction as Mike turned novice me into a competitive amateur boxer.
“I went on to win 29 of 40 amateur matches and became a Yorkshire champion, and was nominated for the Best Boxer in England award.
“All this convinced me that I had the potential to excel, and joining the paid ranks was clearly the next step.”
Marillious “Machine Gun” Kelly turned 20 last June and lives in Winestead with his family.
Away from boxing, he works with his father in the building trade and as a plasterer.
He spent his first few years in The Bahamas before returning to this area and attending Inmans Primary School in Hedon.
Marillious is the first boxer in his family and says he admires Mike Tyson.
He said: “The best boxer ever for the power, excitement and sheer physical presence.
“I went to his recent fight in Texas to say I’d seen him box, and experiencing the atmosphere and scale of such an event has motivated me to put on a show on the big stage.”
The onus is often on a novice professional to sell tickets for their fight, and Marillious sold more than 300.
He added: “The support from my family, friends, sponsors and the people of Hull has been incredible and I’ll never take it for granted.
“I’ll repay that support with exciting and exhilarating performances which put East Yorkshire even more firmly on the boxing map.
“Hopefully I’ll eventually fulfil my ultimate ambition of winning a WBC title belt.
“I’m aware just how hard I’ll have to work. Talent and aptitude alone are insufficient. Complete commitment and daily dedication are vital.”
Marillious said elite athletes require sponsorship, and he is grateful to those who have already backed him.
He said: “I’m grateful to Whitehall Estate Tearoom, Harkins Care, Hallmark Doors, JT Accountancy, Patrington Country Club, Patrington Haven Leisure Park, Richardson Electrical and Mechanical Services and Palmzcutz.
“I’m indebted to my family and friends, and I’ll prove my sponsors made a wise investment.
“This is just the beginning. Let’s enjoy the journey together.”