Murtazaliev vs Josh Kelly is on this weekend and it’s the big one in England vs Russia. Fight, fight, fight.
It is a great fight this weekend as well.
Amid a flurry of relentless great fights happening all over the world in boxing this weekend.
What a sport at the moment.
The face off came between the two fighters a short time ago:
Both appear to be up for this one. Only one can win though.
As always, styles make fights.
Let’s look at the facts in our view on what the style match ups are between these two:
- Murtazaliev: Relentless pressure fighter, heavy power (17 KOs/23 wins), strong jab, cuts off ring, body shots, wears guys down.
- Kelly: Slick, elusive mover (“illusionist”), fast hands, great footwork, counters on the run, amateur-style showboating.
- Classic pressure vs. movement clash: Murtazaliev marches forward; Kelly bends space, makes opponents miss.
- Kelly struggles vs. constant pressure + power (like vs. Avanesyan); Murtazaliev brings both in higher volume.
- Slight physical edges: Murtazaliev taller (6’0″ vs 5’10”), longer reach (74″ vs 72″).
- Kelly wins if he boxes smart, stays off ropes, tires Murtazaliev out.
- Murtazaliev favored if he traps Kelly, grinds him down mid-late rounds.
Home crowd in Newcastle could boost Kelly early, but Murtazaliev’s toughness edges it on paper.
The champion from Russia talked fighting Josh Kelly a short time ago here.
