Josh Kelly Extends Matchroom Deal and Sets Sights on Unifications

Josh Kelly is staying with Matchroom Boxing. The IBF light middleweight champion signed a multi-fight contract extension with Eddie Hearn's promotion on Tuesday, locking in what both sides are calling a push toward 154-pound unifications in 2027.

"I'm World Champion, and I am very excited about the future with Matchroom Boxing," Kelly said. "Now I only want the biggest fights in the division. Unifications. Bring it on."

Hearn called Kelly "one of the pound-for-pound best the UK has to offer" and said there are "some huge plans ahead for Josh in 2027." No specific opponent or date was announced with the extension.

Kelly, 32, is 19-1-1 with nine knockouts and trains under Adam Booth. He won the IBF title by majority decision over Bakhram Murtazaliev in January at Utilita Arena in Newcastle. In July, he defended in Jeddah with a twelve-round decision over Caoimhin Agyarko, handing Agyarko his first career defeat.

The unification picture at 154 pounds is crowded and complicated. Kelly holds the IBF strap, and the division's other belt holders will have their own promotional and network commitments to navigate. No specific unification opponent has been named, though the matchup boxing fans want to see is Kelly against Jaron Ennis, the unbeaten American who holds the WBO and WBC titles.

For now, the extension signals stability. Kelly has a home, a belt and a plan. The question is whether the other champions are ready to meet him in the ring.