Bakhram Murtazaliev Stops Josh Kelly in Round 9 to Retain IBF Title at Utilita Arena Newcastle

The Utilita Arena in Newcastle came alive with a mix of hope and tension on January 31, 2026, as local favorite Josh Kelly challenged the fearsome IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev in a mandatory defense that ended in a dramatic ninth-round TKO. Murtazaliev, the undefeated “boogeyman” of the division, overwhelmed Kelly with relentless pressure and power, dropping him twice before the referee stepped in. Broadcast on DAZN, the fight sparked passionate X reactions, with one fan posting, “Murtazaliev is a monster—Kelly fought his heart out but couldn’t stop the onslaught! #MurtazalievKelly.” A capacity crowd of around 11,000 created an electric UK atmosphere, fueled by fight-week events, hometown pride, and the buzz of Kelly’s first world title shot.

Fight Overview

Date: January 31, 2026 Venue: Utilita Arena, Newcastle, England Start Time: Main event ring walks approximately 9:29 PM GMT (4:29 PM ET) Stakes: IBF Junior Middleweight (Super Welterweight) World Title—Murtazaliev’s second defense after capturing the belt in 2024 and his devastating KO of Tim Tszyu. Odds: Murtazaliev heavy favorite at 1/3 (-300), Kelly at 3/1 (+300), reflecting the champ’s power edge despite his 15-month layoff. X Buzz Quote: “Bakhram Murtazaliev smashes the pads ahead of his IBF 154lb title defense against Josh Kelly. #MurtazalievKelly” — from BoxingScene’s viral clip hyping the champ’s preparation. Crowd Size and Atmosphere: Approximately 11,000 fervent fans, heavy on Geordie and Sunderland support for Kelly, with chants and flags turning the arena into a cauldron of noise. Poll Lean: Pre-fight X polls leaned 75-25 toward Murtazaliev, with many predicting a KO due to his Tszyu demolition, though some backed Kelly’s home advantage and boxing skills.

Bakhram Murtazaliev Age: 32 Origin: Grozny, Chechnya (Russia-based) Record: 24-0 (18 KOs) Stance: Orthodox Height/Reach: 5’11¾” / 72″ (approx.) Key Stats: High knockout ratio (74%+), lands heavy power shots with sustained pressure; known for breaking opponents down methodically. Recent Form: Undefeated streak highlighted by 11th-round KO of Jack Culcay to win vacant IBF title (April 2024) and third-round destruction of Tim Tszyu (October 2024); inactive in 2025 but returned sharp. Training/X Clips: Pad-smashing sessions went viral on X, showing devastating hooks and body work: “Ready to defend what’s mine—let’s go!” #MurtazalievKelly. Notable Trait: Ruthless pressure fighter with devastating power, often overwhelming skilled opponents who can’t match his intensity. Quote/Tweet: “I come to destroy—title stays with me. Kelly is tough, but not tough enough.”

Josh Kelly Age: 31 Origin: Sunderland, England Record: 17-2-1 (9 KOs) Stance: Orthodox Height/Reach: 5’11” / 74″ (approx.) Key Stats: Technical boxer with fast hands and good movement; lower KO power (53%) but high work rate when on form. Recent Form: Seven-fight win streak post-early career setbacks, including British title wins and quick stoppages; stepping up massively for first world title shot. Training/X Clips: Clips showed disciplined boxing drills and mitt work: “Home soil, world title—I’m ready to make history! #PBK.” Notable Trait: Slick, mobile technician who relies on footwork and counters; improved discipline since moving up to 154 lbs. Quote/Tweet: “Gave it everything—respect to the champ. This won’t define me; I’ll be back stronger.”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Rounds 1-3: Kelly started brightly, using his reach and movement to box on the back foot, landing jabs and quick combinations while avoiding Murtazaliev’s early pressure. The champ stalked patiently, cutting off the ring and landing a few heavy body shots late in Round 3. CompuBox: Kelly edged early activity (28/65 landed vs. Murtazaliev 22/70). Scoring: 10-9 Kelly (Rds 1-2), 10-9 Murtazaliev (Rd 3).

Rounds 4-6: Murtazaliev ramped up the pressure, trapping Kelly on the ropes with body work that visibly slowed the challenger. Kelly responded with flurries but absorbed thudding shots, his movement less fluid by Round 6. CompuBox (combined): Murtazaliev dominated power punches (45/120 vs. 30/90). Scoring: 10-9 Murtazaliev across all three.

Rounds 7-9: The tide turned decisively—Murtazaliev hurt Kelly with a big right in Round 7, followed by a body barrage. Round 8 saw Kelly wobbled again, and in Round 9, two knockdowns (one from a hook, another from accumulation) prompted the stoppage at 1:45. CompuBox (late rounds): Murtazaliev 38/85 (45%) vs. Kelly 18/55 (33%). Overall CompuBox: Murtazaliev out-landed Kelly significantly in power shots.

Key Moments and Impact

• Murtazaliev’s Relentless Pressure: His body attack drained Kelly’s legs, shifting momentum mid-fight and showcasing why he’s called the division’s boogeyman.
• Kelly’s Brave Early Boxing: The hometown hero’s skill shone in the opening rounds, frustrating Murtazaliev temporarily and earning respect from fans.
• Fan/Media Reaction: X praised Kelly’s effort (“He gave it all”) while hailing Murtazaliev as a destroyer; media called it a “statement win” post-layoff.
• No Major Cuts: Clean fight, though Kelly showed swelling and bruising from the power shots.

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications

Murtazaliev roared, “I’m the fiercest champion—next, the big names!” eyeing potential clashes with Jaron Ennis or unification. Purse favored the champ, with DAZN bonuses possible for the stoppage. Kelly, gracious, said, “I gave it my all—I’ll come back.” The 154-pound division remains scary with Murtazaliev active again, pushing toward bigger matchups.

Event Context and Newcastle Atmosphere

Co-main featured Elif Nur Turhan defending her IBF lightweight title with a KO. Other bouts added fireworks, including prospects. Fight week drew huge local hype, with DAZN streaming strong UK/EU numbers on a stacked card.

What’s Next?

For Murtazaliev: Likely unification or mandatory vs. top contenders like Erickson Lubin/Brandon Adams winner. For Kelly: Rebuild against ranked foes, aiming for another title shot.

On January 31, 2026, Bakhram Murtazaliev’s devastating power proved too much for Josh Kelly, retaining the IBF junior middleweight title via ninth-round TKO in Newcastle. A gritty performance from the challenger couldn’t overcome the champ’s ferocity, solidifying Murtazaliev as a force and setting up an exciting 154-pound future.