In the realm of super welterweight boxing, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Bakhram Murtazaliev prepares to defend his IBF title against Josh Kelly on January 31 at the Newcastle Arena. The anticipation for this match has been palpable, but the excitement doesn’t end there. Murtazaliev has extended a bold invitation to Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, hinting at a potential clash of titans in the near future.
Murtazaliev, known for his heavy-handed style, recently expressed his readiness to face Ennis, should he successfully defend his title against Kelly. Speaking through an interpreter, the Russian champion stated, ‘Bakhram is always ready. Ennis can fight with him anytime; it’s a matter of business, right? His doors are open for him, and if he wants, he can fight.’ This statement underscores Murtazaliev’s confidence and his eagerness to take on the best in the division.
The IBF champion also addressed the often-contentious issue of fight negotiations, noting that while fighters may express a desire to face the best, business considerations can sometimes hinder these matchups. ‘In the media, they talk about wanting to fight the best, but when it comes to business, they try to avoid the fight or set the purse too high, making it unaffordable,’ Murtazaliev added. This candid remark sheds light on the complexities behind arranging high-stakes bouts.
Should Murtazaliev emerge victorious against Kelly, a showdown with Ennis would be a spectacle to behold. The contrast in styles—Murtazaliev’s relentless pressure versus Ennis’s slick skills—promises a bout filled with fireworks. Boxing enthusiasts are already buzzing with anticipation at the prospect of such a matchup.
The upcoming fight card is stacked with talent, featuring several other notable bouts. Elif Nur Turhan will defend her IBF women’s lightweight title against Taylah Gentzen in a 10-round contest. Additionally, Josh Padley and Jaouad Belmehdi will vie for the vacant European super featherweight title in a 12-round battle. The evening will also showcase a variety of other fights, including a 10-round lightweight bout between Josh Blenkiron and Robbie Colman, and a 4-round cruiserweight match between Bradley Casey and Lee Roberts.
As the boxing world eagerly awaits the outcomes of these contests, the potential showdown between Murtazaliev and Ennis looms large on the horizon. Fans can stay tuned for comprehensive coverage, including results, video highlights, and post-fight analysis, as the drama unfolds in the super welterweight division.
Team_TBE Boxing
🛒 Premium Recommendations
60V 70Ah/80Ah Dual Motor E-Bike, 46MPH Top Speed & 300-Mile Range, 7-Speed Gear & Peak 6000W Power, High-Performance Electric Bicycle for Adults
New Alien.Ware 2025 Area-51 Gaming Laptop 18.0" QHD+300Hz, 3ms Display 24 Cores Ultra 9 275HX 64GB RAM 4TB SSD Geforce RTX 5090 24GB GDDR7 CherryMX Keyboard Thunderbolt5 Gorilla Glass Panel Win 11Home
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.