Josh Kelly came face-to-face for the first time with Bakhram Murtazaliev and fans were already coming to their conclusions on how Saturday’s world title clash will play out.
Kelly challenges Murtazaliev for his IBF super welterweight world title in Newcastle, live on DAZN.
Murtazaliev is a strong favourite heading into the clash and following an intense head-to-head on Tuesday, some fans were left concerned by the task awaiting Britain’s Kelly, who is preparing for a maiden world title shot.
One fan wrote on X: “Josh Kelly about to get demolished.”
Another said: “Bakhram look like a f***ing psychopath idk man Josh has to run for all 12 [rounds].”
THE FIRST FACE OFF 🫳👑
Bakhram Murtazaliev & Josh Kelly meet for the first time ahead of Saturday’s IBF World Super Welterweight showdown 🔥
Watch live on @DAZNBoxing 👊 pic.twitter.com/6zFnAYmDG3
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) January 27, 2026
Another commented: “Good lord that stare by Murtazaliev is scary as.
“That’s a man who bares no nonsense.
“I wouldn’t even consider it being ‘locked in’, Murtazaliev looks as though he could go there and then.”
The Russian champion is undefeated in 23 professional bouts and makes a second defence of his crown against the 31-year-old former Olympian.
Murtazaliev destroyed Tim Tszyu in three rounds in the first defence of his title in October 2024, having won the belt with a split decision success over Jack Culcay.
Despite many backing the unbeaten 33-year-old to retain his title, others were not completely ruling out a Kelly upset, suggesting that Murtazaliev is already looking tight at the weight.
One fan said: “Doesn’t look the best of weight cuts for Murtazaliev.”
Another wrote: “Bakhram looks like a zombie extra off of Thriller.
“Gaunt and drained – clearly struggling to make the weight.
“Makes Saturday night more interesting.”
Former world champion, Alex Arthur said: “Murtazaliev looks like he just done a 10lb weight cut already.”
Kelly has won seven on the spin since a sixth round stoppage defeat to David Avanesyan in a bid for the European welterweight title in 2021.
‘PBK’ will become Britain’s sixth active male world champion if he dethrones Murtazaliev at the Utilita Arena.
