Josh Kelly, widely known as “Pretty Boy,” is one of the most talented and slick boxers to come out of the UK in recent years.
With his unique, flashy style and Olympic pedigree, he has captured the attention of boxing fans worldwide. After a significant victory over Ishmael Davis at Wembley Stadium, Kelly’s stock has risen heading into late 2025.
In this article, you will know Josh Kelly’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Josh Kelly’s Biography
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Joshua Kelly |
| Nickname | “Pretty Boy” (PBK) |
| Date of Birth | March 7, 1994 |
| Age | 31 |
| Nationality | British (Sunderland, UK) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | Super Welterweight / Middleweight |
| Turned Pro | April 2017 |
| Net Worth | ~$3.5 Million (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | ~$7 Million+ |
| Wife/Partner | Ilona |
| Instagram Profile | @joshkelly07 |
| Twitter Profile | @JoshKellyBoxer |
Early Career
Josh Kelly was born and raised in Sunderland, where his natural talent for fighting was evident from a young age. Before he became a household name in the professional ranks, he had a stellar amateur career that laid the foundation for his unique style.
Representing Team GB, he competed at the highest levels, showcasing his reflex-based defense and lightning-fast hands.
His amateur journey culminated in his selection for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Although he didn’t win a medal, his performances were memorable enough to attract the attention of top promoters like Eddie Hearn.
He turned professional in 2017 under the guidance of renowned trainer Adam Booth. His transition to the paid ranks was seamless, as he quickly built a reputation for being a “matrix-style” fighter who could dodge punches with his hands down.
Professional Career
Kelly’s professional career has been a rollercoaster of high-skill performances and tough learning curves. He started undefeated, capturing the WBA International welterweight title early on.
However, he faced a significant setback in 2021 when he lost to David Avanesyan by TKO. Many critics questioned if his flashy style could hold up at the elite level, but Kelly proved his resilience by moving up in weight and rebuilding his career.
By 2023 and 2024, Kelly had firmly re-established himself as a top contender. He secured massive wins against Gabriel Corzo and Placido Ramirez, setting up a highly anticipated clash with Liam Smith at Wembley in September 2024. When Smith pulled out due to injury, Kelly faced the undefeated Ishmael Davis instead.
In a gritty performance, Kelly secured a majority decision victory, proving he could handle late replacements and high pressure. As of late 2025, he remains a key player in the super welterweight and middleweight divisions, eyeing world title shots.
Wife
Josh Kelly is in a long-term relationship with his partner, Ilona. The couple shares a strong bond and have built a family together. Ilona is frequently seen ringside supporting Josh during his fights, often sharing the emotional highs and lows of his boxing journey.
Together, they have children, and Josh often credits his family as his primary motivation for fighting. He is a devoted father who tries to balance the intense demands of training camps with spending quality time with his kids.
His social media often features glimpses of his family life, showing a softer side to the fierce competitor seen in the ring.
Josh Kelly’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Josh Kelly has an estimated net worth of approximately $3.5 million. This wealth comes from his consistent main-event purses, pay-per-view shares, and sponsorship deals over his eight-year professional career.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Date | Outcome | Estimated Payout |
| Ishmael Davis | Sep 2024 | Win | $400,000 – $500,000 |
| Placido Ramirez | Dec 2023 | Win | $250,000 |
| Gabriel Corzo | Jul 2023 | Win | $200,000 |
| Troy Williamson | Dec 2022 | Win | $150,000 |
| David Avanesyan | Feb 2021 | Loss | $100,000 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings |
| 2024 | $600,000 |
| 2023 | $500,000 |
| 2022 | $350,000 |
| 2021 | $200,000 |
| 2017-2020 | $1,500,000+ |
Career Stats
| Stat | Value |
| Total Fights | 19 |
| Wins | 17 |
| Losses | 1 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Knockouts | 8 |
| KO Percentage | ~47% |
FAQs
1. What is Josh Kelly’s net worth?
Josh Kelly has an estimated net worth of around $3.5 million. His earnings are primarily derived from fight purses, with significant boosts from high-profile bouts at venues like Wembley Stadium.
2. Who is Josh Kelly’s wife?
Josh Kelly is in a relationship with his long-term partner, Ilona. They have children together and live in the North East of England.
3. Did Josh Kelly beat Ishmael Davis?
Yes, Josh Kelly defeated Ishmael Davis by a majority decision. The fight took place at Wembley Stadium on the Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois undercard.
4. What happened to the Liam Smith fight?
Josh Kelly was scheduled to fight Liam Smith in September 2024, but Smith pulled out of the contest due to a virus/injury just a week before the event. Ishmael Davis stepped in as a late replacement.
5. Who is Josh Kelly’s trainer?
Throughout most of his professional career, Josh Kelly has been trained by Adam Booth. Booth is credited with developing Kelly’s unique, reflex-heavy defensive style.
