Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Josh Kelly takes place on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The bout is staged at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle upon Tyne and streams worldwide live on DAZN. Murtazaliev makes the second defence of his IBF belt. Kelly fights for his first recognised world title.
This contest reshapes the order at 154 pounds. Murtazaliev is unbeaten and already proven over twelve rounds. Kelly steps from domestic level into a full championship fight. The result redraws the contender line immediately.
Event details and how to watch
Event: Murtazaliev vs Kelly
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Venue: Utilita Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Broadcast platform: Live onn DAZN worldwide
PPV price: No PPV. DAZN subscription required.
Start times:
Main card start: 6:00 pm ET / 11:00 pm UK
Main event ringwalks expected: 6:00 pm ET / 11:00 pm UK
Ringwalk timing depends on undercard duration.
Why this title defence alters Kelly’s career track
Kelly has operated comfortably at British and European level. He has not previously boxed for a recognised world belt. This is his first twelve-round title fight under full championship conditions.
Murtazaliev enters off two straight stoppage wins since claiming the IBF title. His work is compact and functional. He steps forward behind a tight guard, commits to body shots, and finishes combinations once opponents stall near the ropes. He keeps the round structure simple.
For Kelly, the assignment demands discipline. He has to hold stance, manage distance with his feet, and avoid extended exchanges along the ropes. Small errors at this level cost rounds quickly.
What Murtazaliev brings into Newcastle
Murtazaliev is 33 and fully set in his professional habits. His punch choice stays short. His balance remains intact after contact. He completes combinations rather than hunting single blows. At super welterweight, that profile wins scorecards and stoppages.
Two title bouts. Two stoppages. That record sets expectations without exaggeration.
What decides the fight in the ring
• Kelly maintaining range through foot placement
• Murtazaliev closing space once exchanges begin
• Body shots shaping output from the early rounds
• Kelly’s recovery and balance past round six
The fight turns on distance control and how cleanly each man exits exchanges.
Full fight card
Main event:
Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs) vs Josh Kelly (17-1-1)
12 rounds, Super Welterweight
IBF Super Welterweight Title
Undercard:
Josh Padley vs Jaouad Belemehdi
Super Featherweight
Vacant European title
Elif Nur Turhan vs Taylah Gentzen
Women’s Lightweight
IBF Women’s title
Leo Atang vs Amine Boucetta
Heavyweight
Newcastle hosts a defending champion who finishes his work when openings appear. Kelly enters the ring with home support and a single chance to reset his position in the division. The belt leaves the arena with the fighter who controls distance, balance, and round shape.