Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs) will soon put his IBF super welterweight world title at stake against Josh Kelly (17-1-1, 9 KOs).
Their bout headlines a Matchroom Boxing card at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, England. Fight fans around the world can catch the action live on DAZN.
Both men spoke at a press conference ahead of their Jan. 31 contest. Below is some of what they had to say.
Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Josh Kelly press conference quotes
Bakhram Murtazaliev
“The 15 months [out of the ring] was a long time, but it went very well,” said Murtazaliev through an interpreter. “I was training a lot and looking forward to Saturday to step in the ring and do what I love to do.”
“It makes me laugh a little [when Kelly talks] about knocking me down. But, let’s see what Saturday is going to bring and let’s see what he says after the fight.”
Josh Kelly
“This is where I belong,” said Kelly. “This is where I’m meant to be. There’s been cracks inside, outside of life. [It’s] what you’ve got to deal through [sic] and you’ve got to go through and you don’t really know why they’re happening at the time. You know God’s got ya and he’s going to make everything [alright]. His plan is bigger than yours. I’m in a great position now. It’s all come down to this. I feel at home. I feel relaxed. This is everything I’ve visioned. Everything I’ve thought about, it’s come to fruition, including this. I can’t wait.”
“I don’t look at that exterior. I was saying this the other day. I said if Bakhram never boxed and he worked in a farm or he worked somewhere in a shopping centre, he’d be a scary looking guy who worked in a farm or a scary looking guy who worked in a shopping centre. It’s just the fact that he’s a boxer and it goes hand in hand with the boxing, [his scary looks] makes it good. I never look at that exterior…”
Fight prediction
Murtazaliev has spent over a year out of the ring, but he certainly possesses the ability to knock out his opponents. Kelly may be able to outbox the reigning champion for some rounds, but he will definitely get tagged with hard shots for as long as the fight lasts. It will only be a matter of time before the Russian gets the stoppage. Expect a knockout win for Murtazaliev within 10 rounds.
Full press conference
For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Matchroom Boxing.
