Josh Kelly came in slightly heavier than Bakhram Murtazaliev for their world title clash in Newcastle on Saturday.
Kelly challenges Murtazaliev for his IBF super welterweight world title at the Utilita Arena, live on DAZN.
Kelly tipped the scales at 153.65lbs at Friday’s weigh in, over a pound heavier than his Russian rival who came in at 152.2lbs.
Kelly, who fights for a maiden world title, has put his hands on Murtazaliev’s belt at two of their face-offs this week, but with the belt not around the champion’s shoulder, the Sunderland man kept his hands to himself at their final face-off.
The visitor is the betting favourite to make a second successful defence of his belt, but fights for the first time in 14 months when he demolished Tim Tszyu in three rounds.
Should the 31-year-old defy the odds and overcome Murtazaliev, he would become Britain’s sixth active world champion, joining Dalton Smith, Fabio Wardley, Jazza Dickens, Nick Ball and Lewis Crocker.
Kelly has won seven on the spin since a sole professional loss to David Avaneysan in 2021, knocking out Flavius Biea in the first round in his last outing in June.
Murtazaliev has won 17 of his 23 bouts inside the distance, yet Kelly dared him to bring an aggressive style.
“I want him to try and take my head off,” he said during Thursday’s press conference.
“Try and hurt me and that will suit me down to a tee.
“I become world champion by doing me.
“Going in there and taking advantage of what I need to take advantage of.
“Performing in the little moments.
“All the little moments throughout the fight and just enjoy myself.
“Take in every step as it comes and I believe I’m the new IBF world champion.”
The winner could be lined up for a unification with the victor of Xander Zayas and Abass Baraou, who clash in a unification of their own later on Saturday in Puerto Rico.
Kelly has already signed to face WBA interim champion, Jaron Ennis, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn.
