Reigning IBF super welterweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev will defend his belt for the second time, as he faces Josh Kelly on Jan. 31 at the Newcastle Arena in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
With a perfect pro record and a 74% finish rate, Murtazaliev is entering this match as the betting favorite with -300 boxing odds. Meanwhile, Kelly, who’s fighting in his first major world title fight, will be the betting underdog with +250 odds. A draw result has odds of +1600.
Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Josh Kelly Fight Odds
- Bakhram Murtazaliev: -300
- Josh Kelly: +250
- Tie: +1600
Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Josh Kelly: Tale of the Tape
| Bakhram Murtazaliev | Josh Kelly | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 33 | 31 |
| Height | 5’11½” | 5’10” |
| Record | 23-0 | 17-1-1 |
| Reach | 74 inches | 72 inches |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| TKO/KO Percentage | 74% | 53% |
Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Josh Kelly: Prediction
My prediction is a TKO/KO finish for Murtazaliev, as he’s the more powerful puncher and has a very sneaky left hook that catches his opponents off guard. He uses this solid left hook to set up his right-hand straight punch, which is his best weapon.
Apart from this sneaky left hook, Murtazaliev throws a lot of combinations against his opponents that overwhelm them and press them against the ropes. Once their back is on the ropes, he blitzes them.
If Murtazaliev lands a clean left hook or a straight punch, I think he’ll be able to compromise Kelly and from there, he’ll pour on more combinations until he knocks him out or the referee steps in to stop the fight.
Bakhram Murtazaliev’s Recent Fight Results
Murtazaliev is an undefeated boxing world champion who made his pro debut in 2014. In his last five fights, he has defeated Khiary Gray, Ahmad Cheikho, Roberto Valenzuela Jr., Jack Culcay, and, most recently, Tim Tszyu.
Josh Kelly’s Recent Fight Results
Kelly was a former Olympic boxer before he turned pro in 2017. Since his first career defeat in 2021, he has won seven straight matches. During this stretch, he has defeated Peter Kramer, Lucas Bastida, Troy Williamson, Gabriel Alberto Corzo, Placido Ramirez, Ishmael Davis, and Flavius Biea.
Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Josh Kelly: Start Time
Jan. 31, 5 p.m. E.T.
Jan. 31, 4 p.m. C.T.
Jan. 31, 3 p.m. M.T.
Jan. 31, 2 p.m. P.T.
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