Upcoming Title Defense
In 2025, Bakhram Murtazaliev will make his second title defense of the IBF super welterweight championship in the UK, where he is expected to face top competitor Josh Kelly. The International Boxing Federation has mandated that Murtazaliev defend his title against Kelly following his impressive victories over Jack Culcay and Tim Tszyu in 2024.
Negotiations and Location
Kathy Duva, the promoter, has confirmed ongoing negotiations with Kelly’s trainer, Adam Booth, highlighting the urgency to finalize the fight details. Duva stated,
“I communicate with Adam Booth nearly every day, and we are making every effort to reach an agreement.”
The choice to host the bout in the UK appears logical given Kelly’s background; Duva remarked,
“We’re looking into UK for location options as it seems the most sensible. However, I must refrain from revealing too much at this stage, as discussing ongoing negotiations can often lead to complications. What I can say is that this fight promises to be exciting!”
Fighter Backgrounds
Since securing the IBF title 16 months ago, Murtazaliev has emerged as a leading figure in the super welterweight class, particularly after his fight against Tszyu. Meanwhile, Kelly has established himself as a strong contender following a series of solid performances since his draw with Ray Robinson in 2019, along with a setback against David Avanesyan in 2021. This trajectory puts Kelly in a prime position to challenge for the championship, especially if negotiations reach a positive conclusion.
Fight Prospects
The acknowledgment that the fight could happen in the UK enhances Kelly’s prospects significantly. However, he is expected to enter the ring as an underdog against the skilled Murtazaliev, who is looking to captivate a new audience with his talents. While Duva emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality during the negotiation phase, she indicated that the consistency in communication points to fruitful discussions.
Conclusion
Both parties see the enormous potential of this bout, with only minor logistical details preventing an official announcement. For Murtazaliev, this title defense on foreign turf would represent another chapter in his boxing journey, while for Kelly, this fight is a chance to fulfill a long-held dream right in his home country. As UK fans eagerly await high-caliber bouts in the super welterweight division, the anticipated showdown between Murtazaliev and Kelly could become one of the year’s most notable boxing events.
