Murtazaliev tries to recapture IBF after a score dispute 10-10

Back under RafaelThe Murtazaliev team has submitted a detailed application, six pages asking the IBF to intervene. Rafael reported that the appeal focused narrowly on the final and a shortage of 10-10 score in title fight with clear activity. “News: Bakhram Murtazaliev, who lost the IBF 154 title by December to Josh Kelly on Saturday in Newcastle, England, Kelly’s home area, has formally asked IBF to book replay immediately based on the very unusual score of 10-10 from 12 from Judge Steve Gray,” Rafael wrote on X, adding that a different score would have kept a different score.

A video of the 12th round shows Murtazaliev pressing forward for most of the three minutes, working behind a solid injection and breaking the ring as Kelly moves laterally. Kelly had one short moment when Murtazaliev failed to turn, allowing Kelly to fire a short flour while his opponent’s back was open. Outside of that exchange, the weight and volume of the champion appeared to determine the round.

Whether the IBF commands re -matching will depend on the commission’s views on the score discrepancy rather than a wholesale review of the battle. If the sanction body refuses to act, the result stands. If he intervenes, Kelly could be asked to return the title immediately. Either way, the end left enough doubt that a second fight felt less as a favor and more like an unfinished business.