Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Josh Kelly – Who wins IBF world title fight?
Fearsome champion Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs) defends his IBF super-welterweight title to challenger Josh Kelly (17-1-1, 9 KOs) in Newcastle, England, on Saturday, July 31.
31-year-old Briton, Kelly, is the top-rated contender at IBF #3, but he will have a monumental task against the formidable Russian who has won all 23 pro bouts so far.
BBN asked their panel of experts for their predictions below:Danny Connor, Former Southern Area champion: “I rate Josh Kelly, he’s slick and smooth with razor sharp reflexes, I love his style and swagger, have found over the past that his kryptonite, unfortunately, is power and pressure, and Murtazaliev has both in abundance, he’s not as crash, bang, wallop as Avanesyan, but he presses forward constantly and he can really punch.
”I hope the wizard Adam Booth has a good game plan for this fight and I hope Josh can outslick and outmove Murtazaliev, but if I had a gun to my head I would have to go with the Russian anywhere past round 6; I hope I’m wrong.”
Wayne Alexander, Former British, European, world welterweight champion: “This is without doubt Josh Kelly’s toughest fight so far in this career, Bakhram is a strong solid boxer puncher who hasn’t shown any weaknesses so far, while Kelly has looked good at domestic level against Ishmael Davis and Troy Williamson, but was exposed when he stepped up to European level against David Avanesyan even though it was at welterweight.
“I see it being a good, tough, competitive contest with Murtazaliev taking charge in the later rounds to win by a unanimous decision.”
Abel Sanchez, World champion trainer: “I think that Murtazaliev’s power, resume and quality of opposition will be too much for Josh Kelly.”
Matt Marsh, Former British super-bantamweight champion: “Josh Kelly always looks sharp in his training and fights, but this is a big ask. I think it will be a very close fight, but for me, Bakhram wins on points. I think this will be a good fight, but Bakhram is the toughest boxer out the two, so I see a close fight with Bakhram winning it.”
Tim Rickson, BBN Editor: “Murtazaliev has won both his IBF world title fights by KO – late against Jack Culcay, then early against Tim Tszyu.
“The general consensus is that the powerful Russian champion will score yet another knockout. It’s harsh but fair, because Josh Kelly is vastly improved and stands a great shot here, but he will have to go the full 12-rounds to win this, in my opinion.
“Plus, he’s been hurt before, by David Avanesyan in 2021, so many believe the power of Murtazaliev will be too much to take.
“Set in the north east, Sunderland’s Kelly will have the home support on the night, and I could imagine him getting off to a bright start, but he will slow down at some point, which is when Murtazaliev will find increasing success. I think Murtazaliev will win by KO in rounds 7-12.”
Tyler Buxton, United Boxing Promotions: “Murtazaliev to win by late stoppage.”
Burim Sylejmani, Fides Sports Promotion: “I was ringside for Bakhram Murtazaliev’s fight against Jack Culcay, and, for me, Murtazaliev is the favourite in this fight simply because he is the more experienced boxer.”
Donald C Stewart, BBN Writer: “Can the pretty boy win ugly? He looks sharp and perhaps 154 is his weight where he comes into his own. British fight fans will hope so – but this is a big ask and the Dalton Smith effect might have worn off by the time he climbs into the ring.
“I think, if he can survive the beginning, he is in with a shout. Don’t think he stops Murtzaliev, but Kelly is really clever in the ring – on points, squeeks it.”
Marshall Kauffman, Kings Boxing: “I am going with the naturally bigger and stronger fighter, Bakhram Murtazaliev, by KO.”
Alexander McGibbon, BBN Writer: “A very tough task for Kelly, but he’s looking good. Quicker feet, and great movement. Not enough to beat Murtazaliev though, who’s more than capable of hammering anyone at 154.
“I think Murtazaliev wins via a wide points decision. Kelly may put in a huge shift though and cause the upset.”
Florian Winter, German boxing promoter: “This matchup certainly presents a tough challenge for Kelly.
“If Kelly can leverage his speed and technical skills effectively, he may be able to outmanoeuvre Murtazaliev, especially in the early rounds. However, if Murtazaliev can pressure him and capitalise on his power, it could lead to a challenging night for Kelly.
“In summary, while Kelly has the potential to pull off the upset with his skillset, Murtazaliev’s knockout power and experience in title fights make him a strong favourite. It’ll be interesting to see how both fighters adapt to each other’s style in the ring.
“I hope this analysis helps, and I look forward to the fight!”
Ben Winward, BBN Writer: “Up at 154lbs, it must be said that Kelly looks a far stronger and confident fighter, holding his feet and sitting down on his shots, even getting two one-punch knockouts in his last three run outs. It is also worth noting that Murtazaliev’s two biggest wins, have both come against more pedestrian, shorter, come forward fighters, so we are yet to see how he fairs against a more elusive and counter punching opponent.
“At 31, with self-confessed issues outside of the ring, setbacks and missed opportunities, Josh Kelly deserves his chance to finally prove if his undeniable natural ability can translate to the very top level in the pro game.
“With his style, speed, newfound pop and relative freshness, for me this is an intriguing clash of styles. He would have to rise to the occasion and box out of his skin for all 12 rounds, but maybe, just maybe, ‘PBK’ might be capable of causing a shock.”
Murtazaliev-Kelly fight preview
