Josh Kelly challenges unbeaten IBF super-welterweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev tonight at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle. The Sunderland fighter, a former Team GB Olympian, aims to inflict a first career defeat on the hard-hitting Russian and claim world title honours.
Kelly (17-1-1, 9 KOs) has won seven consecutive fights since his 2021 stoppage loss to David Avanesyan, stepping up to 154lbs and winning British and WBO International belts. He outpointed Ishmael Davis in September 2024 and stopped Flavius Biea in the first round last summer.
Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs) became mandatory challenger for the IBF title previously held by Jermell Charlo, finally claiming the belt with a late stoppage of Jack Culcay in April 2024. He defended it emphatically in October 2024, flooring Tim Tszyu four times and stopping him in the third round.
The main undercard starts at 7pm GMT, with ring walks expected around 9:26pm GMT. The event is broadcast live worldwide on DAZN, not via pay-per-view. Co-main event features Josh Padley against Jaouad Belmehdi for the vacant European super-featherweight title.
Both fighters made weight on Friday: Murtazaliev at 152.2lbs, Kelly at 153.65lbs. Odds favour Murtazaliev to win by stoppage at 8/11, while Kelly by stoppage is 10/1.
