Abass Baraou has cast doubt over Josh Kelly’s mental strength ahead of Kelly’s challenge for Bakhram Murtazaliev’s IBF junior-middleweight title on Saturday night. While praising Kelly’s natural ability, Baraou suggested that mindset could be the decisive factor when the pair meet at Newcastle Arena in England.
Kelly faces the 33-year-old Russian champion hours before Baraou himself fights Xander Zayas in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for the WBA and WBO titles. Baraou knows Kelly well, having sparred with him in the past during their time under the same promotional banner, and believes that despite Kelly’s talent, he lacks the toughness required at the highest level.
Describing Kelly as “very skilful” and technically gifted, Baraou nevertheless questioned his resilience under pressure. He argued that heart and mentality are essential against a fighter like Murtazaliev, who has built a reputation as one of the division’s most avoided competitors. In Baraou’s view, Kelly has the tools to win but has not consistently shown the toughness needed to prevail in such fights.
Baraou pointed to Murtazaliev’s track record as evidence of his strength, referencing his stoppage of Jack Culcay in 2024 to claim the vacant IBF title and his subsequent victory over Tim Tszyu later that year. Having shared Culcay as a common opponent, Baraou highlighted Murtazaliev’s physical strength, durability, and willingness to engage as key advantages.
While acknowledging that Kelly could still pull off an upset if he rises to the occasion, Baraou leaned toward Murtazaliev as the favorite. He stopped short of making a definitive prediction but stressed that Kelly must show far more than skill alone.
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing