Kelly still smarting ahead of rematch

DAMAEN KELLY will bid for revenge as he faces Simone Maludrottu for the European bantamweight title in Sardinia tonight.

Ulsterman Kelly was denied victory in their first fight in Belfast five months ago by one of the worst decisions in British ring history, leading to a storm of protest from his manager Tommy Gilmour.

Such was the anger over the verdict, the European Boxing Union ordered a re-match and now Kelly believes he can finally “put the record straight’’, even though the Italian champion has home advantage.

“I couldn’t believe that the judges gave him the decision back in April. I won the fight clearly,” said Kelly.

“I was totally distraught after that but when I heard about the re-match I was determined to get the title. I would have preferred to fight him in Belfast but I don’t care – I just have to go in there and do what I did last time and then hope the judges give me a fair decision.

“He’s a strong champion and I won’t be underestimating him but I have shown that I can beat him once and I want to be even better this time, so they don’t have any excuse about not giving me the belt.

“I’ve worked so hard for this and I can’t even think that they will rob me again. I just have to concentrate on my boxing and do the business.”

Kelly will be hoping to become the first Irishman to win European titles at two different weights, having previously held the flyweight title.

And manager Gilmour believes that this time victory will be the Belfast man’s.

“I am happy with the officials that have been appointed.

“But of course I’ll only be totally happy when Damaen gets the verdict and I think this time they know they are on show after the last time and we should get a fair crack,” said Gilmour.