Bakhram Murtazaliev’s next fight appears far more immediate than his next title opportunity.
The former IBF junior middleweight champion is targeting an October return in Russia while the division’s biggest title fights continue to develop. His team is pursuing a bout against a recognizable, world-rated opponent to keep him active after his majority decision loss to Josh Kelly in January.
Although Murtazaliev remains the IBF’s mandatory challenger, there is no certainty that Kelly will still hold the title by the time that obligation comes due. The IBF granted Kelly an early mandatory defense against Caoimhin Agyarko, pushing Murtazaliev to the front of the queue afterward.
Kelly has made no secret of his interest in pursuing a unification fight with WBA and WBO champion Jaron Ennis. If that matchup materializes, the winner may pursue WBC champion Sebastian Fundora in an attempt to become the undisputed champion at 154 pounds.
That possibility leaves Murtazaliev waiting despite holding the mandatory position. Sanctioning bodies frequently allow unification bouts to take priority, leaving the Russian contender on standby while the division’s biggest championship fights play out.
“At this point, we are trying to arrange a fight for him in Russia for some time in October,” promoter Kathy Duva told The Ring. “It’s against a solid, world-rated opponent that everybody is familiar with, if it’s the guy we’re hoping to get. Bakhram needs to stay active.”
Murtazaliev demolished Tim Tszyu to capture the IBF title in October 2024 before dropping a closely contested majority decision to Kelly on British soil. An October victory would keep the former champion active while the division’s championship picture continues to develop.