The boxing world is buzzing with excitement as the potential duel between Josh Kelly and IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev is in the pipeline for September 13th, set to light up the undercard of the much-hyped Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford showdown at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This event, a convergence of elite boxing talent, holds tremendous promise, but it also raises eyebrows regarding match selection and fan expectations. What should be a celebrated competition is instead becoming a source of contention within the boxing community.
Kelly’s Rocky Road to Relevance
Josh Kelly, a fighter with a record of 17 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, can be considered a skilled technician. Despite his Olympic pedigree, a lingering shadow remains from his startling knockout loss to David Avanesyan in 2021. Since then, he has managed to string together eight victories, mingling with both British and continental adversaries, yet the strength of those opponents raises questions about his readiness for a championship-level clash. In fact, Kelly barely secured a majority decision against Ishmael Davis, a performance that has left many doubting his ability to stand up to a disciplined and powerful champion like Murtazaliev.
Champion’s Plight: Murtazaliev’s Unjust Isolation
Conversely, Bakhram Murtazaliev stands at a commendable 23-0 with 17 knockouts, yet his status post-victory against Tim Tszyu reveals an unsettling reality within the sport. Despite his apparent talent and impressive record, Murtazaliev has fallen victim to the whims of promotional politics. Following an electrifying performance where he showcased his knockout power against a former WBO champion, he has been sidelined, eclipsed by the hype surrounding other fighters. American fans plead for a title defense against Erickson Lubin, the rightful IBF mandatory challenger. Yet here Murtazaliev is, potentially matched with a fighter who presents more of a stylistic enigma than a genuine threat.
A Match with Disparate Fighters
Should this matchup against Kelly be finalized, Murtazaliev will find himself battling after an extensive eleven-month hiatus. While some might argue this lengthy break could adversely impact his performance, the reality is that the fight could resemble a tactical game of cat and mouse. Kelly’s defensive style, characterized by sharp movement and evasion, may lead to a scenario where Murtazaliev’s significant power becomes irrelevant. For onlookers, the clash may evoke more reflection than excitement, as Kelly is unlikely to engage in a reckless brawl, but rather dance around the ring, frustrating Murtazaliev’s efforts to land meaningful blows.
Fan Reactions and Implications for Boxing
The rising tensions between the expectations of fans and the realities of promotional decisions speak to a larger issue within boxing. The selection of fights for high-profile events should represent the pinnacle of the sport, but the inclusion of mismatches threatens to dilute the thrill. For many, Kelly’s expertise in handling mid-tier boxers doesn’t justify this elevated stage. His approach might undermine the actual draw of the Canelo-Crawford card, positioning the audience to expect fireworks but delivering instead a sparring session.
Looking ahead, the boxing community should be wary of allowing matchmaking politics to overshadow the athletes’ efforts and the sport’s integrity. With Kelly maneuvering under the bright lights against Murtazaliev, one can only hope that the outcome honors the high-stakes nature of the event, rather than simply catering to regional fanfare.
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