Road to Newcastle: How has Josh Kelly reached light-middleweight title fight with Bakhram Murtazaliev?

The Sunderland fighter makes the short trip to Newcastle's Utilita Arena for the biggest bout of his career so far, as he seeks to take his place in the region's pantheon.

In Murtazaliev, he faces an opponent whose body of work inside the ring has often been brutal and efficient, including a victory over a former world champion last time out.

But just how did both men come to this encounter? DAZN News looks back at the last five fights for each contender and profiles what brought them to this opportunity now.

Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0)

• Age: 33
• Fights: 23
• Last five: WWWWW

Hard-hitting with a reputation for some quick stoppages during his career so far, the past few years have helped cement the 33-year-old as a tough-as-nails operator.

That said, he has fought just five times in the past five years, with his inactivity a potential drawback that Kelly will undoubtedly bid to exploit when he tackles him head-on.

Decision wins in 2021 and 2022, respectively over Khiary Gray and Roberto Valenzuela Jr. sandwiched a one-round knockout against Ahmad Cheikho in Minneapolis.

Then, Murtazaliev defeated Jack Culcay for the vacant IBF strap in 2024, before he stopped ex-WBO title holder Tim Tszyu to reaffirm his position atop the divisional pile.

Josh Kelly (17-1-1)

• Age: 31
• Fights: 19
• Last five: WWWWW

There have been chinks in the armour of the Sunderland fighter - but over the past few years, he has built up a head of steam that sees him primed to reach the summit.

Kelly claimed a career-best honour five fights ago when he took the British title against Troy Williamson by unanimous decision in Newcastle, elevating him towards new levels.

A points win against Gabriel Alberto Corzo followed in mid-2023, before he knocked out Placido Ramirez inside three rounds at the end of the year to further burnish his name.

Ishmael Davis came close to handing him a second loss at Wembley Stadium in late 2024, but last June's one-round KO against Flavius Biea truly confirmed his potential, too.

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