Murtazaliev vs Kelly: Britain's Josh Kelly wins IBF light-middleweight title
Murtazaliev vs Kelly: Britain's Josh Kelly Wins IBF Light-Middleweight Title in Thrilling Unanimous Decision
The boxing world held its breath as Josh Kelly, the talented but often questioned 'Pretty Boy' from Sunderland, stepped into the ring to face the fearsome Russian powerhouse, Magomed Kurbanov, in a high-stakes battle for the vacant IBF light-middleweight championship. However, in a last-minute shake-up, Kelly instead squared off against the formidable Bakhram Murtazaliev, a change that ramped up the pressure exponentially.
For British boxing fans, this was more than just a title shot; it was a redemption arc. After a career marked by spectacular amateur talent and frustrating professional inconsistencies—including that devastating loss to David Avanesyan—Kelly needed a legacy-defining performance. He delivered.
In a masterful display of technical boxing, movement, and ring generalship over 12 grueling rounds, Josh Kelly (now 15-1-1, 7 KOs) achieved the career-defining victory he craved. The judges' scorecards reflected the dominance of his performance, awarding him the IBF title at 154 pounds via a well-deserved unanimous decision.
This win immediately catapults Kelly back into the global elite, settling him firmly among the top contenders in a fiercely competitive division. The performance was a testament to his maturity, proving that the technical brilliance often promised early in his career has finally translated into championship pedigree.
The Tactical Masterclass: Kelly's Defense Silences the Russian Threat
Bakhram Murtazaliev (22-0, 15 KOs entering the bout) was widely regarded as the A-side threat—a relentless pressure fighter with debilitating power and an undefeated record. The narrative surrounding the contest was simple: Could Kelly's slick defense and offensive fluidity withstand the suffocating, non-stop attack of the heavy-handed Russian?
From the opening bell, Kelly showcased a disciplined, measured approach, a stark contrast to some of his previous, riskier outings. Utilizing his superior footwork, he controlled the distance beautifully, ensuring Murtazaliev was always fighting at a range slightly too far to generate maximum impact. This was not the slugfest many predicted; it was a chess match orchestrated by Kelly.
The early rounds (1-4) saw Kelly establish his sharp, snapping jab. This was arguably the most significant punch of the night. He didn't just use it to score; he used it to disrupt Murtazaliev's rhythm, stop him mid-stride, and set up quick exits before the Russian could counter effectively. The tactical discipline showed that the time spent honing his craft under his new training team has paid massive dividends.
Murtazaliev, known for his ability to close the show, found himself increasingly frustrated. Every time he attempted to corner Kelly, the Brit would either pivot out expertly or tie him up, neutralizing the power shots that characterize the Russian's style. Kelly's head movement was exceptional, forcing Murtazaliev to miss high, draining his energy reserves with every ineffective swing.
By the midpoint of the fight (Rounds 5-8), Murtazaliev began pressing harder, sacrificing defense for offense. This is where Kelly showed his chin and tenacity. While the Russian did manage to land a few significant body shots, Kelly responded immediately, often catching the charging Murtazaliev with clean, short counters—particularly uppercuts and check hooks—that clearly earned him respect from the judges.
Key moments that shifted the momentum firmly in Kelly's favor:
- Round 3: Kelly lands a clean three-punch combination capped by a body shot, forcing Murtazaliev to take a quick step back.
- Round 7: Murtazaliev traps Kelly on the ropes for a brief moment, but Kelly slips two powerful right hands and executes a textbook side-step pivot, neutralizing the danger.
- Round 10: Recognizing the desperate nature of his opponent, Kelly avoids serious engagement, sticking and moving, frustrating the Russian with feints and excellent ring management.
The Scorecards and The Official Decision Breakdown
As the championship rounds began, the tension was palpable. Murtazaliev, realizing he was likely trailing on the cards, came out aggressively in the 11th and 12th rounds. Kelly, however, maintained his composure, relying on his gas tank and the conditioning built up during his preparation.
Kelly expertly navigated the final minutes, proving he could handle the championship pressure and the late surge of a dangerous opponent. He avoided any major trouble, surviving the final bell with a sense of relief and accomplishment washing over his face.
The official scores were read out, confirming what ringside experts had observed: Josh Kelly had controlled the majority of the rounds through technical superiority and ring IQ. The scores were as follows:
Judge 1: 118-110
Judge 2: 119-109
Judge 3: 117-111
All three scorecards heavily favored Kelly, resulting in a commanding unanimous decision victory. The 119-109 card suggested near-total domination, a score that surprised some given the consistent pressure applied by Murtazaliev, but ultimately validated Kelly's technical brilliance in neutralizing threats.
This result marks the first loss for Murtazaliev and a massive milestone for Kelly, who now holds a major world title belt, a dream that seemed distant just a couple of years ago when questions about his stamina and mental fortitude dominated discussions.
What the Title Means: Kelly's Place in the 154-Pound Hierarchy
Winning the IBF light-middleweight title immediately places Josh Kelly at the forefront of the highly competitive 154-pound division, also known as junior middleweight. This division is currently buzzing with talent, featuring names like Jermell Charlo (though he has moved up in weight), Tim Tszyu, and Sebastian Fundora.
The newly crowned champion wasted no time acknowledging the magnitude of the achievement. In his post-fight interview, Kelly focused on gratitude and his commitment to the hard road he has traveled. "We took the hard route," Kelly stated. "Everyone doubted us, but we knew we had this technical ability. This belt belongs to Sunderland."
The immediate conversation shifts from whether Kelly can hang with the elite to who he will face next in a mandatory defense or a unification bout. As the IBF champion, he is now a prime target and holds serious negotiating power.
Potential opponents for Kelly's first defense or future unification bouts include:
- Tim Tszyu (WBO Champion): A unification clash against the Australian star would be a massive crossover fight, testing Kelly's movement against Tszyu's relentless pressure and power.
- Sebastian Fundora (WBC Champion): The towering, unorthodox Fundora presents a style nightmare, but a win over him would unify two major titles and solidify Kelly as a pound-for-pound contender.
- Erickson Lubin: A dangerous, highly-rated contender waiting for a shot at gold. This would be a crucial test to prove Kelly's title reign is sustainable.
- A Rematch with Murtazaliev: While Kelly won decisively, Murtazaliev's status as a top contender means a rematch clause or a high-profile return bout could be on the cards, especially if the fight generates high interest.
Kelly's performance against Murtazaliev proved that he has successfully managed the transition from a highly skilled Olympian to a rugged, disciplined professional champion. His demonstration of patience, ring IQ, and durability suggests that his tenure at the top of the light-middleweight division is just beginning.
The future is bright for Josh Kelly. He has overcome the shadows of early-career doubts and claimed his place on the world stage. The IBF belt is now firmly in British hands, marking one of the most significant triumphs in UK boxing this year.
Fans eagerly await the announcement of Kelly's first title defense, knowing that the 154-pound division just got a whole lot more exciting.
Murtazaliev vs Kelly: Britain's Josh Kelly wins IBF light-middleweight title
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