EXCLUSIVE | Bakhram Murtazaliev’s second defense of the IBF super welterweight title heads to the UK in 2025, with top contender Josh Kelly locked in talks to secure the shot.
The IBF ordered Murtazaliev to put his belt on the line against Kelly following victories over Jack Culcay and Tim Tszyu in 2024.
Speaking exclusively to WBN, promoter Kathy Duva confirmed that advanced discussions are ongoing with Kelly’s mentor, Adam Booth, as both sides push to finalize the terms.
“I am in touch with Adam Booth pretty much daily,” Duva told World Boxing News exclusively. “We are working diligently to get a deal done.”
UK staging on the table
On a venue for the clash, Duva admitted taking the event across the Atlantic to Kelly’s homeland makes the most sense.
“It’s obvious that the UK is the logical place to start looking. The developments thus far are promising, but I have learned that talking about negotiations is usually the best way to derail them.
“So, I cannot get into any more detail at this time, except to say that it is going to be a terrific fight!”
Murtazaliev, who claimed the IBF crown 16 months ago, had his breakout moment against Tszyu and is now a major player in the 154-pound division.
Still deciding on whether to box your head off or …..box your head off, couple of hard choices there lad 👀🥴 https://t.co/iz2QhFOo2E
— Josh Kelly 🥊 (@JOSHPBK) August 28, 2025
Kelly’s chance
For Kelly, the Sunderland man has strung together impressive victories since a draw with Ray Robinson in 2019 and his lone loss to David Avanesyan two years later.
That momentum makes Kelly a viable world title challenger, who is on course to gain home advantage if talks conclude amicably.
Duva’s admission that the UK is the frontrunner adds significant weight to Kelly’s chances of securing the title. However, ‘Pretty Boy’ will begin a massive underdog against the dangerous Murtazaliev, who is closing in on the perfect platform to showcase his skills to a fresh audience.
Although Duva stressed the importance of discretion during ongoing negotiations, the Main Events chief was clear that regular communication indicates progress.
Both sides are aligned on the fight’s potential, with only the finer details of staging holding back an official announcement.
For Murtazaliev, defending the IBF belt on foreign soil would mark another road trip. For Kelly, it represents the chance to achieve a lifelong ambition on home turf.
With UK fans starved of elite-level world title fights in the super welterweight division, a Murtazaliev vs Kelly showdown could provide one of the standout events of the year.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.