Conor Benn believes Josh Kelly must question his desire after being stopped by European welterweight champ David Avanesyan last night.

Having seen a bloodied Kelly, 26, dropped twice in the sixth round, trainer Adam Booth threw in the towel to save his fighter from more punishment.

And Benn, who watched from ringside at Wembley Arena, is not convinced his British rival (pictured above) will remain at the weight after the bruising defeat.

The undefeated Destroyer, 24, said: "Kelly was looking sharp, he was accurate. He landed some great power shots early on. 

"I thought Avanesyan might be in trouble, but Avanesyan got to him.

"Kelly has got all the skill. He is naturally gifted. Why does he keep blowing up after four or five rounds?

"Maybe it is a weight issue, maybe he should move up a weight."

Verbal sparring partners

Despite their war of words, Benn insists he has nothing but respect for the previously undefeated Kelly.

He added: "I like Kelly, I do. I'm gutted for him, to be honest, I really am.

"Everybody knows Kelly is good for four, five, six, but when it gets past that and it gets on top of him, he folds.

"That's what happened. Avanesyan kept applying the pressure.

"He will come back. He's just got to sit down and question how much he wants it."

I like Kelly, I do. I'm gutted for him, to be honest, I really am Conor Benn

Despite witnessing the first defeat of Kelly’s pro career, promoter Eddie Hearn is confident the Sunderland fan can still reach the top. 

Hearn said: "Sometimes you come across a guy that will not be denied, that's too strong, that has the will beyond others. That was Avanesyan.

"Kelly had a wonderful camp. He was in the shape of his life. He couldn't have been better in that ring, but this man wouldn't be denied. He was too tough.

"What we saw was an elite welterweight. A world-class welterweight against a really good prospect who I believe can be a world-class fighter. 

“As good as the start was, you could see him unravelling. I thought Booth did a great job throwing in the towel because it was the end."