Tensions were running high as a fired up Josh Kelly warned Bakhram Murtazaliev that his days as champion are numbered following a heated, final stare down at today’s Press Conference.
In what is the first World Title fight in a decade here in the North East of England, taking place at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena this Saturday, confident local hero Kelly says he is certain that a career defining night awaits when he challenges for the IBF Super Welterweight crown – live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.
The ‘Pretty Boy’, trained by renowned coach Adam Booth, believes it is his time to etch his name into the history books and become Britain’s sixth reigning men’s World Champion by doing what no other man has managed to do so far – defeat Murtazaliev.
The imperious Russian, now fighting out of California, USA, has 23 wins with 17 by the way of knockout on his impressive resumé – including his past two victories over the likes of Tim Tszyu and Jack Culcay – but hasn’t stepped inside the ring since October 2024.
The world’s “most dangerous” female fighter Elif Nur Turhan, meanwhile, says she is looking forward to a blockbuster night of boxing in Newcastle for Matchroom’s opening UK show of 2026. The newly crowned IBF World Lightweight Champion defends her recently acquired title against Australia’s Taylah Gentzen.
In the co-main event, Josh Padley challenges Jaouad Belmehdi for the vacant EBU Super Featherweight Championship as menacing Heavyweight wonderkid Leo Atang looks ahead to his fifth professional contest, with stablemate and promising Cruiserweight prospect Brad Casey also in action.
Commonwealth Games silver medallist amateur standout and North-East native Kiaran MacDonald makes his long-awaited professional debut. Plus, rising hometown Super Bantamweight fan favourite Lee Rogers will be out to stretch his record to 7-0.
And don’t blink as we look forward to a pulsating North-East derby between Newcastle’s unbeaten Josh Blenkiron and Jarrow’s undefeated Robbie Colman for the Northern Area Lightweight title.
For all the latest news and updates, follow @matchroomboxing on social media. Scroll down to find selected quotes from today’s Press Conference and watch it back in full in the video player below.
