Josh has been there before. Against David Avanesyan, he boxed and moved early, then tired and was forced into exchanges. Once this happens, damage can occur quickly.

Murtazhaliev raised the same type of question, only with greater danger attached. Once an opponent is within reach, he punches harder, causing more damage. Last October, he knocked out Tim Tszyu in the third round, which changed the way his opponents viewed him. Tsyu had never been treated like this before, but Murtazhaliev made up his mind early and ended the fight without hesitation.

Kelly’s path back to the championship has been steady. Since the loss at Avanesia, he has won seven straight games, rebuilding confidence and timing along the way. These fights don’t show how he responds when real boxers apply sustained pressure. None of these opponents are known for their power or forcing them to work in close quarters for long periods of time.

A calm approach helps when a boxer controls distance and speed. When it turns into a willingness to stay close or to trade as a sign of comfort, it becomes a risk. Against Murtazaliyev, these moments worked in one side’s favour.

Kelly won’t lose a battle because of a lack of belief. He gets into trouble when the fight gets into areas beyond his control, and Murtazhaliev is built to push his opponents there.

battle details
Josh Kelly vs. Bahram Murtazaliyev
IBF junior middleweight title fight
Saturday, January 31st
Newcastle, England
Broadcast: DAZN
Main card starts at 11 a.m. ET