Josh Kelly, Bakhram Murtazaliev Make Weight Ahead Of Their IBF World Title Clash

Josh Kelly arrived at the weight limit composed and confident, presenting himself as a fighter who believes the hard work is already finished and the result now depends on execution. Speaking on DAZN after making weight, Kelly explained: “Being around my friends and my loved ones, I just feel really chilled out and relaxed,” Kelly said. “Everything is taken care of now and, with the right mindset, everything will take care of itself in that ring.” His comments suggested a fighter settled in his surroundings and convinced his preparation has removed doubt from the equation.

Kelly focused heavily on how opponents often misread his power, describing it as sharp and disruptive rather than heavy or obvious. “It’s deceptive how hard I hit and that’s the key,” he said. “ I feel like I have got that snapping, hard power where people have to think about it and don’t want to get hit by it again. He will have to deal with what I have.”

Weight was another point of confidence. Kelly described the division as familiar territory rather than a compromise. “I feel great at this weight… I feel at home and feel so good. I’m ready to go now.”

The emotional core of his comments came at the end, rooted in background and ambition. “I’m just a kid from a council estate, living his dream,” Kelly said, before offering an unqualified prediction. “There’s no doubt in my mind that I am going to walk away with that belt tomorrow. 100 per cent.”

Bakhram Murtazaliev Explains Why a Fight With Jaron Ennis Hasn’t Happened

IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev is done being the fighter people mention only after the cameras are already off.

Ahead of his title defence against Josh Kelly on Saturday in Newcastle, Murtazaliev addressed why a fight with Jaron “Boots” Ennis has never progressed beyond discussion. Speaking to Big Fight Weekend, the Russian champion said the issue has not been a lack of willingness, but the terms that surface before negotiations can advance.

“When they talk in the media, they say they want to fight the best,” Murtazaliev said. “When it comes to business, they put the amount of money that is too high and not affordable.”

The situation reflects a familiar pattern in the junior middleweight division. Interest is expressed publicly, while private talks fail to move forward. No fight is formally declined, but negotiations stall before reaching a workable stage.

For Murtazaliev, that cycle has left him holding a world title without a clear route toward the division’s highest profile matchups. He enters Saturday’s bout as the IBF champion after stopping Tim Tszyu, yet there is no confirmed opponent waiting beyond the Kelly defence.

Murtazaliev stressed that his comments were not aimed at Ennis personally, but at how major fights are often discussed. If Ennis is pursuing titles at 154 pounds, the IBF belt is already in play. Murtazaliev said he is ready to move beyond the prolonged back and forth and toward concrete negotiations.

The immediate focus remains on Saturday’s fight. Murtazaliev must first get through Kelly before any future discussions can move forward. But by speaking openly, the IBF champion has clarified his position.  The junior middleweight division is stacked, but nothing is really moving.

With the Vergil Ortiz Jr. lawsuit against Golden Boy still hanging over things and talks involving Jaron Ennis going nowhere, champions like Murtazaliev are stuck waiting. Coming off the biggest win of his career, he’s made it clear he has no interest in standing around while other fights get tied up on paper.

He isn’t asking to be mentioned after fights. He’s asking for the conversation to finally move.

Weigh In Results

Running order – Live on DAZN

Brad Casey 199.3 lbs / 90.40 kg vs Lee Roberts 196.3 lbs / 89.04 kg

Lee Rogers 121.3 lbs / 55.02 kg vs Erick Omar Lopez 121.2 lbs / 54.98 kg

Kiaran Macdonald 117.7 lbs / 53.39 kg vs Marius Vysniauskas 116.95 lbs / 53.05 kg

Josh Blenkiron 134.8 lbs / 61.14 kg vs Robbie Colman 134.7 lbs / 61.10 kg

Leo Atang 236 lbs / 107.05 kg vs Amine Boucetta 241.25 lbs / 109.43 kg

Elif Nur Turhan 134.55 lbs / 61.03 kg vs Taylah Gentzen 134.15 lbs / 60.85 kg

Josh Padley 129.7 lbs / 58.83 kg vs Jaouad Belmehdi 128.5 lbs / 58.29 kg

Bakhram Murtazaliev 152.2 lbs / 69.04 kg vs Josh Kelly 153.65 lbs / 69.69 kg