Murtazaliev Seeks IBF Rematch After Disputed 10-10 Final Round

According to Dan Rafael, Murtazaliev’s team has submitted a detailed, six-page request asking the IBF to intervene. Rafael reported that the appeal focuses narrowly on the final round and the rarity of a 10-10 score in a title fight with clear activity. “NEWS: Bakhram Murtazaliev, who lost IBF 154 title by maj. dec. to Josh Kelly on Saturday in Newcastle, England, Kelly’s home area, has formally asked IBF to order an immediate rematch based on the highly unusual 10-10 scoring of rd 12 by judge Steve Gray,” Rafael wrote on X, adding that a different score would have preserved the champion’s title.

Video of the 12th round shows Murtazaliev pressing forward for most of the three minutes, working behind a firm jab and cutting off the ring as Kelly moved laterally. Kelly had one brief moment when Murtazaliev missed and turned, allowing Kelly to fire a short flurry while his opponent’s back was exposed. Outside of that exchange, the round appeared to be dictated by the champion’s pressure and volume.

Whether the IBF orders a rematch will depend on how the commission views the scoring anomaly rather than a wholesale review of the fight. If the sanctioning body declines to act, the result stands. If it does intervene, Kelly could be asked to return the title immediately. Either way, the finish left enough doubt that a second fight feels less like a favour and more like unfinished business.