A MAIDEN world title shot finally looks set to become reality for Sunderland super-welterweight Josh Kelly.
The eight-year pro, currently ranked number three with both the WBO and IBF, has been ordered by the latter to challenge their champion, Bakhram Murtazaliev, 23-0 (17 KOs). Kelly, 17-1-1 (9 KOs), now finds himself on the brink of a breakthrough moment.
Speculation over Kelly’s next fight had included a possible meeting with former unified welterweight champion Jaron Ennis, who was searching for an opponent for his debut at 154lbs. Team Kelly turned down an offer from Ennis’s promoter Eddie Hearn, choosing instead to wait for a bigger opportunity. That gamble appears to have paid off, with a shot at a world title now in front of him.
If successful, Kelly would become Britain’s second active male world champion, joining Nick Ball, who defended his WBA featherweight crown against Sam Goodman on August 16. For the 31-year-old Sunderland native, it is also a chance to finally deliver on the promise that has followed him since his professional debut in April 2017.
The Sauerland brothers confirmed on social media that the IBF has officially ordered Murtazaliev vs. Kelly. The fight is expected to take place this autumn, though the date and location are still to be confirmed.
Kalle Sauerland, Head of Global Boxing at Wasserman told Boxing News: “Josh Kelly has been number one in the world for a while, he is superstar material, and the only thing that has been missing has been his world title shot. But now it is here. Seize the moment. This is Josh Kelly’s time.”
Murtazaliev had been expected to face IBF number one contender Erickson Lubin, but Lubin declined a second world-title opportunity – after previously losing to Jermell Charlo – in favour of a fight with Vergil Ortiz Jr.
The unbeaten Russian captured his belt in April 2024 by knocking out Jack Culcay, after former undisputed champion Charlo was stripped of his titles. He then reinforced his credentials 10 months later, blasting out ex-world champion Tim Tszyu in just three rounds.
