The difference between belt grip and grip strength is crucial here. Ennis had no motivation to go to Kelly’s backyard, especially after seeing how Murtazaliyev’s game was scored. Ennis is also unlikely to settle for a smaller purse just to chase a championship owned by a man whose style relies on movement and optics rather than damage. The same logic applies to Xander Zayas and Fundora. Both fighters fought at a level that made Kelly’s typical approach difficult to maintain.

Kelly’s real path forward lies outside traditional negotiations. His ideal scenario requires external financing to determine the risk-reward equation. This reality draws attention to Turki Alalshikh, who often admires defensive players and control fighters. Kelly fits that particular profile, although his commercial appeal remains modest.

Whether that interest will translate into offers remains to be seen. What we do know is that Kelly’s leverage has an expiry date. A belt will retain its maximum value only if it is not tested. Kelly’s team understands that the goal is to capitalize on the title while boosting his stock, not pretend he’s sitting in the center of the division. This window is currently open but will close soon.

Kelly’s influence comes from the IBF belt he holds, not from other members of the division suddenly taking an interest in him. Big stars can sit back and the top fighters in the division have the ability to make their own decisions, but Kelly doesn’t belong in either position.

The Murtazaliyev battle was a wake-up call for him, showing how slim his margin for error actually was. As competition gets fiercer, this space is only going to get smaller. Sure, his team can try to protect him with some clever matchups to delay the inevitable, but they can’t escape the realities of the division forever.