In an eagerly anticipated showdown, Bakhram Murtazaliev is set to defend his IBF super welterweight world title against Josh Kelly this Saturday. The bout, promoted by Matchroom, will take place in Newcastle and will be broadcast live on DAZN. Murtazaliev, the formidable Russian champion, last stepped into the ring in October 2024, where he delivered a devastating performance against Tim Tszyu, securing a victory in just three rounds.
Murtazaliev’s impressive record stands at 23-0, with 17 of those wins coming by way of knockout. His path to the title was marked by a stunning 11th-round knockout of Jack Culcay in April 2024, which earned him the vacant IBF super welterweight belt. Now, he prepares to make his second title defense against Kelly, a fighter known for his resilience and skill.
Josh Kelly, hailing from Sunderland, brings a record of 17-1-1 with 9 knockouts to the ring. His only loss came in 2021 against David Avanesyan, but since then, Kelly has been on a winning streak with seven consecutive victories, three of which were by stoppage. Kelly’s last fight in May saw him defeat Flavius Biea in the opening round, showcasing his determination and power.
This bout marks a significant step up for Kelly, as he challenges for his first world title. The 31-year-old has been preparing rigorously, and his recent performances indicate that he is ready for the challenge. However, Murtazaliev’s experience and knockout power make him a formidable opponent.
In the co-main event, Josh Padley will return to the ring following his last fight in October. Padley, with a record of 17-1 and 5 knockouts, secured a unanimous decision win against Reece Bellotti. His career highlights include a shocking victory over Mark Chamberlain at Wembley Stadium and a brave performance against Shakur Stevenson in a WBC lightweight world title fight.
Padley will now aim to win the vacant European super featherweight belt against Jaouad Belmehdi, who holds a record of 23-2-3 with 11 knockouts. Belmehdi, coming off a unanimous decision defeat to Can Xu, will be looking to bounce back with a victory.
Prediction: Murtazaliev’s power and experience are likely to be decisive factors in this bout. Expect a stoppage in the mid-to-late rounds, with Murtazaliev’s left hook playing a crucial role as Kelly attempts to close the distance. This promises to be an exciting night of boxing, with both main events offering high stakes and intense action.
Team_TBE Boxing
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