Josh Kelly’s World Title Debut
This Saturday, British boxer Josh Kelly is set to make his world title debut in what promises to be a significant milestone for the accomplished former Olympian. Kelly, who has had his share of ups and downs in his professional journey, will face off against the unbeaten champion Bakhram Murtazaliev in a highly anticipated bout.
Kelly’s Journey
Hailing from Sunderland, the 31-year-old Kelly has built a reputation in the boxing world post his Olympic experience at the 2016 Rio Games, where his journey ended in the round of 16 against the eventual gold medalist Daniyar Yeleussinov. This setback in his amateur career did not define him; however, his professional path has also been fraught with challenges. He endured a draw against Ray Robinson in 2019 and was stopped by David Avanesyan in 2021, moments that would test any athlete’s resilience.
Since then, Kelly has significantly turned things around, clinching both the British and International titles at super-welterweight. The boxer enters the ring in Newcastle this weekend riding a seven-fight win streak with a professional record of 17 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, boasting 9 knockouts to his name.
About the Opponent
Kelly’s opponent, Bakhram Murtazaliev, is a formidable adversary, holding the IBF super-welterweight title and an impressive record of 23 victories without a defeat, including 17 by knockout. As Murtazaliev approaches his first fight since October 2024, questions linger about whether any rustiness could affect the champion’s performance.
Fight Details
Fight details are as follows:
- Date of the bout: January 31
- Venue: Utilita Arena, Newcastle
- Start Time: Main card begins at 7 PM GMT (2 PM ET), with the main event ring walks anticipated at 9:30 PM GMT (4:30 PM ET).
Fans in the UK and around the globe can catch the fight live via DAZN, which will air the event without any additional pay-per-view fees for subscribers. Plans for DAZN start at £15.99 per month.
Betting Odds
Betting Odds:
- Murtazaliev: 3/10
- Kelly: 5/2
- Draw: 14/1
For those interested, reputable betting platforms are available for users seeking to engage in boxing wagers responsibly.
Undercard Highlights
The fight night undercard is expected to feature an exciting lineup, including Josh Padley vs. Jaouad Belmehdi for the vacant European super-featherweight title and Elif Nur Turhan defending the IBF women’s lightweight title against Taylah Gentzen, among others.
Conclusion
This upcoming clash represents a key moment in Josh Kelly’s career as he seeks to make a statement in the world of professional boxing and challenge the unbeaten champion in a bout that could redefine his trajectory in the sport.
