Matchroom Boxing announced that IBF junior middleweight champion Josh Kelly has signed a new, multi-fight contract extension. ‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly realised his boyhood dream when he defeated Bakhram Murtazaliev by majority decision to capture the title in his native North-East back in January at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. Then, earlier this summer in July, the Sunderland fighter returned to the ring in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and succesfully retained his crown by defeating the then-unbeaten Irish challenger Caoimhin Agyarko by unanimous decision over a dozen rounds. Now Kelly, spurred on by his brand new deal, has his sights on landing more big fight nights – and the chance to win more titles. [The rumors say Kelly will face Jaron "Boots" Ennis in a unification bout next].

 

“I’m world champion and I am very excited about the future with Matchroom Boxing,” said Kelly.“Now I only want the biggest fights in the division. Unifications. Bring it on. Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing and DAZN is the only place to be.”

 

A former Team GB Olympian, the 32-year old represented his country at the Rio 2016 Games before embarking on his professional career in 2017. Trained by Adam Booth, Kelly quickly established himself as one of British boxing’s most exciting prospects, earning a reputation for his speed, movement and technical ability.

 

Kelly won the Commonwealth welterweight championship in 2018 with victory over Kris George. After moving up to junior middleweight, he claimed the British title by defeating Troy Williamson in December 2022 and continued his progress with victories over Gabriel Alberto Corzo and Placido Ramirez.  

 

Now, with his new agreement in place, Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn believes Kelly is ready for a career-defining year in 2027. “We are thrilled to extend Josh Kelly’s contract with Matchroom Boxing,” said Hearn. “He is an elite operator and one of the pound-for-pound best the UK has to offer. It is no secret that we have some huge plans ahead for Josh in 2027, where he will be aiming to add more world titles to his collection.”