Josh Kelly Challenges Murtazaliev for IBF Title

Josh Kelly faces a pivotal moment in his boxing career this Saturday, January 31, 2026, when he challenges Bakhram Murtazaliev for the IBF super welterweight world title at Newcastle's Utilita Arena in England. The 31-year-old British fighter from Sunderland, a 2016 Olympian, aims to claim his first world championship in a bout broadcast live on DAZN, marking a homecoming event expected to draw a sellout crowd.

Kelly enters the ring with a record of 17-1-1, riding a seven-fight winning streak since his only professional loss, a sixth-round stoppage to David Avanesyan in February 2021. That defeat, during a European welterweight title fight held behind closed doors, saw Kelly start strongly before fading under pressure, prompting his trainer, Adam Booth, to pull him out as blood streamed down his face. The setback led to a period of reflection for Kelly, who now credits a more relaxed mindset for enhancing his performance. "After I lost, I had put so much pressure on myself," Kelly said in a recent interview. "That totally changed my mindset... Boxing defines us, but it doesn't define who I am. And that's what makes me a more dangerous fighter. So be careful, Bakhram...