Kelly (18-1-1, 9 KOs) won the IBF belt with a narrow decision over Bakhram Murtazaliev in Newcastle, climbing off the canvas to take a split verdict on the scorecards. One wide score drew attention after a fight where Kelly spent long stretches circling and throwing single shots, a performance that drew mixed reactions from fans who saw it as a close fight.
The “hit and move” style Kelly employed in January, which many saw as simply “running”, is becoming a polarizing topic. If he continues to throw single shots and circle for twelve rounds, he will find it very difficult to win over the wider boxing public, even with the belt around his waist.
The January 31 win over Murtazaliev has left a sour taste for many. While Kelly walked away with the IBF belt, the “hometown decision” labels were flying almost immediately after the final bell in Newcastle.
The scoring, particularly the 115-111 card, was hard to justify for those who watched Murtazaliev relentlessly pressure Kelly and land the more damaging blows, especially during that chaotic ninth round where Kelly was nearly finished.
The disturbing nature of the last performance means Matchroom and Kelly are under pressure to prove he belongs at the world level. However, the current strategy seems to be rebuilding his image through a voluntary defense in July.
A dominant, cleaner performance at home to erase the memory of the Murtazaliev struggle. If he struggles again or takes another “gift” decision, his credibility as a champion will be shot before he even reaches a unification fight.
Kelly is currently in a “lull” period where he has the hardware but lacks the respect of the fans. That July fight needs to be a statement, or the mandatory challenger later this year might just take the decision out of the judges’ hands.
The IBF isn’t giving him much breathing room. While he takes his July homecoming, the division is moving behind him. Brandon Adams and Caoimhin Agyarko meet in a final eliminator in Las Vegas on April 11th.
The winner becomes the mandatory challenger. If it’s Adams, Kelly faces a gritty, high-pressure veteran who recently beat Serhii Bohachuk. If it’s Agyarko, we get an all-British clash that will be much harder to navigate than a standard voluntary defense.
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