Josh Kelly stars in his maiden world title challenge against destructive champion Bakhram Murtazaliev at the Newcastle Arena tonight.
The 2016 Olympian moved up to the super-welterweight ranks back in 2022 following a bruising loss to David Avanesyan, but has not yet faced world-level opposition in the division. He has, however, scored notable victories over Troy Williamson and Ishmael Davis on the big stage.
Russia’s Murtazaliev is an undeniable step up, known best to boxing fans for his three-round demolition of Tim Tsyzu last time out in October 2024. Could the long layoff, paired with Kelly’s slick style and the home advantage, spell trouble for the champion? Or will Murtazaliev’s steely composure and raw power see him remain undefeated and with the IBF belt firmly in hand?
Following the prelims, the undercard features rising heavyweight star Leo Atang in his fourth bout and likely fourth stoppage victory, Turkey’s Elif Nur Turhan looking to continue a knockout streak of her own and defend her lightweight belt, and Josh Padley challenging for the vacant European title at 130lbs.
Boxing News brings you the undercard results, summaries and a live scorecard for the main event.
Undercard results
Leo Atang vs Amine Boucetta — Heavyweight
Result: Atang KO 3. 19-year-old heavyweight prospect Atang taken past the opening round for the first time, finishing the job in the third when Boucetta took a knee off the back of a body shot and failed to make the count. It was the performance that was expected of the potential future star, who showed his speed, athleticism and good variation to head and body. It may be compared to Moses Itauma’s fight against the same man in 2023 — his fifth bout and a knockout in 90 seconds.
Elif Nur Turhan vs Taylah Gentzen — IBF World Lightweight World Title
Result: Turhan SD. Turhan taken the distance by a smart and awkward Gentzen, retaining her belt via a Deontay Wilder-esque performance with numerous swings and misses. When the shots began to land towards the end, the challenger was buzzed but stayed on her feet to hear the final bell. A poor fight to watch, with wildly differing cards of 98-92, 93-97, 96-94.
Josh Padley vs Jaouad Belmehdi — EBU European Super Featherweight Title
Result: Padley TKO 2. A relentless display from Josh Padley, who was sharp from the opening bell and clinical when Belmehdi was first hurt in the second round. On the second knockdown — a clean right hook — the referee stopped the contest with the Frenchman in danger of taking unnecessary punishment. Padley takes the European with a real statement win, and the journey continues.
Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Josh Kelly scorecard and result
This is a Boxing News live scorecard and not the official score from the judges.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murtazaliev | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 112 |
| Kelly | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 114 |
Result: Josh Kelly MD. A close, tense contest throughout — aggression and pressure from Murtazaliev, composure and movement from Kelly. The Sunderland slickster scored a flash knockdown in the fourth and built a handy lead on the BN scorecard, stealing rounds with his speed and discipline, though it all changed in the ninth when a crushing left hand dropped the Brit. His style in the tenth seemed more out of necessity than confidence, but the swagger returned somewhat in the eleventh. Murtazaliev, though, had added urgency, and was as dangerous as ever. Kelly came out valiantly in the twelfth and the risk paid off. He made sure he threw enough for it not to be a negative showing, and fought bravely when required. Add the recovery from a powerful knockdown, and it was a very impressive major title win for Britain’s newest, Sunderland’s first, world champion. 113-113, 115-111, 114-113 in favour of Kelly. “This feels like a dream,” he said.
