The long-delayed IBF super welterweight title fight between Bakhram Murtazaliev and Josh Kelly moves to a purse bid as the sanctioning body seeks to push forward a matchup that has lingered in negotiations for months.
Murtazaliev promoted by Main Events and managed by Egis Klimas, has yet to fight in 2025, as the Russian champion has been inactive since his emphatic third-round knockout of Tim Tszyu last October in Orlando.
Watch Murtazaliev vs. Tszyu highlights: Watch
England’s Kelly earned his mandatory status in August and is represented by Wasserman Boxing. The 31-year-old Sunderland native has won seven straight since his 2021 defeat to David Avanesyan, including decision victories over Ishmael Davis and a recent first-round stoppage of Flavius Biea. Kelly was originally expected to face Liam Smith last year, but the bout fell through due to Smith’s withdrawal.
The IBF’s decision follows the collapse of Murtazaliev’s previously ordered defense against Erickson Lubin, who opted instead to face Vergil Ortiz Jr. on November 8. After repeated delays, the sanctioning body intervened to ensure its champion fulfills his mandatory obligations.
Under IBF regulations, both fighters must move forward once the purse bid concludes. Failure to do so could see Kelly removed from the organization’s top 10 rankings for six months or Murtazaliev stripped of his title entirely.
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