Betting
Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Josh Kelly Preview: Odds, Tips, and Prediction
Date: Saturday, 31 January 2026 Ring-walk time: 10:00 PM ET Venue: Utilita Arena, Newcastle The IBF Super welterweight champion, Bakhram Murtazaliev, will make just his second title defense against Josh Kelly on Saturday, 31 January 2026, at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle. The Russian powerhouse will come up against the skillful Kelly, so it is set to be an exciting fight. If you are keen to place bets on this fight, you can check out some of the top-rated boxing betting sites for extra value for your betslip.
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Bakhram Murtazaliev celebrates his win / Getty Images
Pre-Fight Odds and Win Probability: Murtazaliev is the favourite
The champion is the favourite in this one, and you can check out some of the best online betting sites in the USA that have competitive odds available for this fight.
Bakhram Murtazaliev: 1/4 (1.25)
Josh Kelly: 3/1 (4.00)
Odds courtesy of FanDuel are subject to change.
Pre-Fight Odds and Win Probability
| Attribute | Bakhram Murtazaliev | Josh Kelly |
| Age | 33 | 31 |
| Height | 6’.0” (183cm) | 5’10” (178cm) |
| Reach | 74” (188cm) | 72” (183cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Record | 23-0-0 | 17-1-1 |
| KO Wins | 17/74% | 9/53% |
| Total Rounds Boxed | 150+ | 126+ |
| Weight Class/Rounds | Super Welterweight/12 | Super Welterweight/12 |
| Titles Held | IBF Super Welterweight | None |
| Last five results | W TKO3 (Tszyu), W KO11 (Culcay), W UD, W TKO, W UD | W KO1(Biea) W MD (Denny), W UD, W KO, W UD |
Bakhram Murtazaliev News
The Russian fighter comes into the fight in good condition after his 15–month break after beating Tim Tszyu with a third-round TKO back in October 2024. The 33-year-old has been training in the US and is fresh to defend his title.
Keys for Murtazaliev to Win
If Murtazaliev is to win, then he will have to apply lots of pressure and trap Kelly on the ropes. The champion must use heavy body shots and his explosive power to wear down Kelly.
Josh Kelly News
Kelly is coming into the fight having won his previous seven fights in a row, and his camp has reported that the British boxer is in peak condition ahead of the fight in Newcastle.
Keys for Josh Kelly to Win
Kelly is a skillful and technical boxer, so he must use that to his advantage and keep up the quick footwork. The 31-year-old must box smart and weather the early storm from his Russian opponent.
Suggested Bets
Bakhram Murtazaliev to win: The champion has destructive power and is the favourite in this fight. (Forecast odds: 1/4 with FanDuel)
Under 10.5 Rounds: Murtazaliev’s aggressive style could lead to an early-finish. (Forecast odds: 4/5 with DraftKings)
Value Bets
These value bets give you an extra edge for your betslip.
Josh Kelly by Decision: Kelly could use his technique and skill to win the tactical battle. (Forecast odds: 13/2 with BetMGM)
Fight Goes the Distance (Yes): Kelly is fit and usually goes far into his fights; the same can be said for the champion. (Forecast odds: 6/5 with BetMGM)
Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Josh Kelly Prediction: Murtazaliev by KO/TKO
The Russian champion will put his super welterweight title on the line as Britain’s Kelly looks to use his tactical edge to claim the belt on Saturday night.
It is set to be a tight battle, but the champion’s power hitting and experience should put Kelly to bed as he retains his super welterweight title.
Nigel Naicker is a versatile sportswriter with extensive experience covering major global tournaments, including the Premier League, AFCON, and the Champions League. His knowledge stretches across soccer, UFC, cricket, and several other sports. In recent years, he has also expanded his expertise into sports gambling content and more specialised sporting niches.