A highly anticipated boxing matchup is on the horizon with the proposed fight between Josh Kelly and Bakhram Murtazaliev scheduled for September 13. This bout is poised to take place on the undercard of the electrifying Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford event at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. While the main card promises to be a spectacle, the inclusion of the Kelly-Murtazaliev fight could serve as a captivating appetizer for audiences, particularly in the UK, where Kelly has garnered a loyal fan base.
Implications for UK Fans and Boxing Dynamics
For UK boxing aficionados, this matchup feels especially significant. Josh Kelly, hailing from England with a record of 17-1-1 and 9 KOs, is a name that resonates within the UK boxing community. Having competed at the 2016 Olympics, Kelly carries a certain pedigree that many fans hold dear. However, his career trajectory has not been without its bumps, notably his knockout loss to David Avanesyan in 2021. Since then, Kelly has managed to string together eight consecutive victories against primarily British and European-level competitors. Despite this resurgence, skepticism about his ability to compete at the highest level lingers, raising questions about the viability of this matchup.
Murtazaliev’s Formidable Reputation
On the flip side, Bakhram Murtazaliev presents a formidable challenge for Kelly. With an unbeaten record of 23-0 and 17 KOs, Murtazaliev’s credentials speak volumes. His demolition of Tim Tszyu last October, where he showcased sheer dominance, should have catapulted him into the spotlight. Yet, curiously, Murtazaliev has found himself in a purgatory of inactivity, facing difficulty in securing fights against reputable opponents. His subsequent 11-month layoff raises concerns, and questions arise as to whether the time away from the ring will diminish his sharpness or enhance his hunger for victory.
The Rising Controversy Among Fans
The mere idea of Kelly stepping into the ring with Murtazaliev has sparked controversy among American fans who are clamoring for a different kind of matchup. Many believe that Murtazaliev should face Erickson Lubin, the IBF mandatory challenger, who has staked his claim and earned the right for a title shot. The decision to potentially feature Kelly on this prestigious card over Lubin could ignite further debate about promotional strategies and fighter matchup selections in boxing, revealing a divide between international interests and American boxing fans’ preferences.
Styles Clash: A Mismatch in the Making?
Analyzing the styles of the two fighters, one can’t help but consider the significant disparity between them. Kelly’s finesse and movement are indeed commendable; however, his lack of knockout power could play against him in this bout. Murtazaliev’s knockout prowess and ability to apply pressure may render Kelly’s boxing style ineffective, turning the match into what might be seen as a “Tom and Jerry” affair, where Kelly dances around the ring, desperately avoiding Murtazaliev’s offensive onslaught. This matchup could raise questions about whether Kelly can withstand the formidable punches and whether he possesses the tactical acumen to adapt in a fight that some anticipate may be lopsided.
As the boxing community eagerly awaits an official announcement, the implications of this fight extend beyond just the night of the match, shaping narratives within the sport. Fan reactions will undoubtedly reflect wider concerns about fighter management, fight quality, and future matchups that can elevate the sport in both the local and global arenas. Only time will tell how this spectacle unfolds, but the journey toward September 13 promises to be just as intriguing as the fight itself.
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