Bakhram Murtazaliev was hoping to find an immediate resolution for his next appearance but he's going to have to wait a little longer.
The Ring has learned that purse bids between the IBF junior middleweight champ and No. 3-ranked contender,
Josh Kelly, have been postponed until October 28. The bid was originally scheduled to take place later today via video conference. Should Kelly (17-1-1, 9 KOs) accept whatever offer is presented to him next week, he’ll be in line for just 15 percent of the bid since he isn’t their highest contender. The No. 1 and No. 2 spots are currently vacant.
Kathy Duva, who manages Murtazaliev and is the CEO of promotional company Main Events, has attempted to find funding for their matchup and desperately wants her champion to make his return.
Murtazaliev was initially under the impression that he would be facing former No. 1 ranked contender, Erickson Lubin. However, the 30-year-old withdrew and later
accepted a more lucrative bout with Vergil Ortiz Jr., which will take place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas on November 8, live on
DAZN.
It was just over a year ago that Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs) grabbed the biggest win of his career, a third-round stoppage over
Tim Tszyu, to win his title.
Kelly, who‘s managed by Adam Booth, has won seven straight since losing by KO to David Avanesyan in 2021.