AFTER weeks of negotiations, Josh Kelly has agreed to a maiden world title challenge against reigning IBF super-welterweight titlist, Bakhram Murtazaliev. Now, a date and location have been provided for the intriguing battle.
Throughout his career, Josh Kelly, 17-1-1 (9 KOs), has been criticised for his below-par matchmaking, often topping cards up north against lesser-known opposition. However, few can take a swipe at his upcoming dance partner in Murtazaliev, 23-0 (17 KOs), who is deemed as the 154lb bogeyman by the masses.
The Russian knocked out Jack Culcay last April to claim the vacant IBF world title and then pulled off the upset as a champion to defend the belt in a dominant three-round beatdown of Tim Tszyu six months later.
Murtazaliev is yet to fight since, but through little doing of his own, with his super-welterweight rivals unwilling for the most part to take him on, despite the added incentive of the IBF crown.
In recent months, Sunderland-born Kelly seemed to be another 154-pounder that was falling into that category, unpersuaded by the allure of the IBF strap when the proposal of a scrap with the hard-hitting Russian was brought to his table.
Yet, the IBF have since ordered the contest and Kelly seems to have had a change of heart, emerging as one of the few contenders at the weight that is up for the challenge of dethroning Murtazaliev.
On his X account, Kelly threatened to box the champion’s head off, before informing his rival that ‘his wait is over’.
Despite Kelly also going on to tease that the fight could take place in his hometown of Sunderland, Murtazaliev has since informed Boxing News that the contest will take place in Manchester on Saturday, December 13.
The 32-year-old, hesitant to completely believe that Kelly will sign, then shared his plans to watch his beloved Arsenal Football Club after he faces ‘Pretty Boy’.
“I will be very happy, if it happens. I have been waiting a very long time.
“I’ll be happy to show myself to the English fans, I have never been there. After the fight, I want to attend an Arsenal match and relax a bit in England.”
Boxing News believes that Murtazaliev-Kelly will act as the co-main event of a card headlined by heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma, 13-0 (11 KOs), at the Co-op Live Arena.
At present, Filip Hrgovic is one name being suggested as a possible Itauma opponent, whilst Kubrat Pulev and Jermaine Franklin are also being touted for the away corner.
