JOSH KELLY SOUNDS WARNING TO WORLD TITLE RIVAL BAKHRAM MURTAZALIEV AS HE TARGETS HISTORIC NORTH EAST HOMECOMING
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 28 Jan 2026
A philosophical Josh Kelly believes his care-free mindset makes him a very “dangerous" proposition as he approaches a career-defining North East homecoming this weekend – live on DAZN.
The 2016 Team GB Olympian is looking ahead to his first World Title challenge at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena when he faces Bakhram Murtazaliev for the IBF Super Welterweight crown.
The ‘Pretty Boy’, trained by renowned coach Adam Booth, believes it is his time to etch his name into the history books and become Britain’s sixth reigning men’s World Champion by doing what no other man has managed to do so far – defeat Murtazaliev.
The imperious Russian, now fighting out of California, USA, has 23 wins with 17 by the way of knockout on his impressive resumé – including his past two victories over the likes of Tim Tszyu and Jack Culcay – but hasn’t stepped inside the ring since October 2024.
Kelly, meanwhile, is on a seven-fight winning streak since his only career loss to date back in February 2021 when he succumbed to defeat by David Avanesyan.
And it was the soul searching that ensued which has propelled the 31-year-old Sunderland native back to his mission of ruling the Super Welterweight division – sounding a warning to rival Murtazaliev that he is ready to snatch the strap from his waist when they meet this Saturday.
"After I lost, I had put so much pressure on myself,” said Kelly, speaking to Matchroom Boxing.
"That totally changed my mindset because I thought, nobody cares. When you go home, and when it’s all said and done, when you’re retired, nobody is really going to care.
“Even if you do lose, you haven’t really lost. Win, lose, or draw – it’s not the end of the world.
"Boxing defines us, but it doesn’t define who I am. Boxing is my life, but life’s not for boxing. Life is for trying to do the best you can. And that’s what makes me a more dangerous fighter. So be careful, Bakhram [Murtazaliev]. I’m coming for you."
The world's "most dangerous" female fighter Elif Nur Turhan joins a blockbuster night of boxing in Newcastle for Matchroom's opening UK show of 2026.
The newly crowned IBF World Lightweight Champion defends her title against Australia's Taylah Gentzen.
In the co-main event, Josh Padley challenges Jaouad Belmehdi for the vacant EBU Super Featherweight Championship as menacing Heavyweight wonderkid Leo Atang looks ahead to his fifth professional contest, with stablemate and promising Cruiserweight prospect Brad Casey also in action.
Commonwealth Games silver medallist amateur standout and North-East native Kiaran MacDonald makes his long-awaited professional debut. Plus, rising hometown Super Bantamweight fan favourite Lee Rogers will be out to stretch his record to 7-0.
And don’t blink as we look forward to a pulsating North-East derby between Newcastle’s unbeaten Josh Blenkiron and Jarrow’s undefeated Robbie Colman for the Northern Area Lightweight title.
For all the latest news and updates, follow @matchroomboxing on social media.
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