Canelo vs Crawford Undercard: Josh Kelly World Title Opportunity Teased

Canelo vs Crawford is set to headline a Zuffa/Riyadh Season card at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, live on Netflix to its 300 million subscribers. This mega-fight is already capturing the attention of the boxing world, with many offering opinions and predictions on the fight. Over the coming weeks, who will appear on the undercard should become clearer, with Lance Pugmire of BoxingScene reporting that Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Josh Kelly could feature on the card.

Josh Kelly Could Appear on Canelo vs Crawford Undercard

Kelly vs Murtazaliev Possible for September 13

Lang Pugmire of BoxingScene reveals that IBF super welterweight champion Murtazaliev is in talks to face English fighter Josh Kelly, who recently defeated Flavius Biea on a Wasserman boxing card on June 6. It’s an intriguing potential fight, that would be a worthy addition to the Canelo vs Crawford undercard. Pugmire also mentions the bout could happen, but at a later date, after Alvarez vs Crawford.

Recently, Josh Kelly’s trainer and manager, Adam Booth confirmed talks are ongoing with Team Murtazaliev: “Josh has got to kick down that door,” Booth said on Sky Sports’ Ringside Toe2Toe Boxing Podcast.

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“I’ve had a couple of conversations now with Kathy Duva [Murtazaliev’s promoter] about the possibility of making the IBF [title] fight with Bakhram Murtazaliev. Those conversations are ongoing.

“I’m hopeful, and determined as I can, to make him [Kelly] the biggest fights.”

Canelo vs Crawford Undercard: Josh Kelly vs Bakhram Murtazaliev

Since losing to David Avanesyan, Kelly (17-1-1, 9 KOs) has won his last seven fights and worked his way into a world title opportunity. Kelly times his punches well, and when he sits down on his punches, carries real power. He is sharp and accurate with his work, and he will need to be against a fearsome puncher like Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs).

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The Russian fighter produced a career-best performance last time out, against Tim Tszyu. He showed his accuracy and devastating power. A clash between Kelly and Murtazaliev would present a fascinating clash of styles and one that would be intriguing on the Canelo vs Crawford undercard or anywhere else.