Sunderland boxer Josh Kelly headlines JD NXTGEN show in Newcastle

Josh Kelly on his way to victory over Jony Vina in Birmingham

Sunderland's Olympian will take on South Shields fighter, Tom Whitfield, in the latest JD NXTGEN show at the Walker Activity Dome on Friday, June 23.

The Eddie Hearn promotion will be shown live on Sky Sports and on Sky Sports Facebook.

Kelly has made a great start in the pro ranks, landing his first stoppage win in Birmingham with a clinical display against Spain's Jony Vina last weekend to add to his debut win over Jay Byrne last month in Glasgow.

The 23-year old said he is "buzzing" to be fighting in the region.

“This is going to be brilliant and I'm so happy to be fighting in the North East,” said Kelly, who is based in Surrey with top trainer Adam Booth.

“It's going to be a great night for the fans and I'm buzzing to be topping the bill with some great fighters from up there."

Whitfield, part of the Mal Gates stable, has lost only once in five bouts, a challenge for the Northern Area title last October.

A host of North-East stars appear on the bill, including Darlington's former IBF champion Stuart Hall, who looks to build towards another world title shot.

Sedgefield's Bradley Saunders returns to the ring after a 20-month absence with hand trouble, while Hetton's unbeaten super-middleweight Jordan King looks to build on his 100% start.

Sunderland's prospect Warren Baister and fellow North-East cruiserweight Simon Vallily, from Middlesbrough, will continue their assault on the division.

Tickets are on sale now priced £30 unreserved balcony, £40 unreserved tier, £60 reserved floor seats and £100 reserved VIP seats – tickets are available from www.matchroomboxing.com.