Kelly (18-1-1, 9 KOs) won the IBF belt with a close decision over Bakhram Murtazaliev in Newcastle, who came off the canvas to take a split verdict on the scorecards. One wide score drew attention after a fight where Kelly circled long stretches and threw 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 viewed as simply “running,” is becoming a polarizing topic. If he keeps throwing single punches and circling for twelve rounds, he will find it very difficult to win over the wider boxing public, even with the belt around his waist.
The Jan. 31 win over Murtazaliev left a sour taste for many. As Kelly walked away with the IBF belt, the “hometown decision” tags flew almost immediately after the final bell in Newcastle.
The score, especially the 115-111 card, was hard to justify for those who saw Murtazaliev push Kelly relentlessly and land the more damaging blows, especially during that chaotic ninth round where Kelly was nearly finished.
The disturbing nature of the last show means Matchroom and Kelly are under pressure to prove he belongs on the world stage. However, the current strategy appears to be rebuilding its image through a voluntary defense in July.
A dominant, cleaner performance at home to erase the memory of the Murtazaliev fight. If he struggles again or makes another “gift” decision, his credibility as a champion will be shot before he even reaches a unification fight.
Kelly is currently in a “quiet” period where he has the hardware but lacks the respect of the fans. That July fight has to be a statement, otherwise the mandatory challenger later this year might just take the decision out of the judges’ hands.
The IBF doesn’t give him much breathing space. As he takes his July homecoming, the division moves after him. Brandon Adams and Caoimhin Agyarko meet in an elimination final in Las Vegas on April 11.
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 more difficult to navigate than a standard voluntary defence.
