Josh Kelly’s boxing journey has never been as smooth as it looked from the outside. Once known for his flashy style and confident personality, the 28-year-old British boxer has now revealed how mental health struggles nearly derailed his career before his biggest fight yet.
Facing undefeated Russian Bakhram Murtazaliev for the IBF light-middleweight world title in Newcastle on Saturday, Kelly believes he is finally ready — mentally and physically — for the biggest test of his life.
A Promising Rise Hiding Inner Battles
Back in 2021, Kelly was unbeaten in 10 professional fights and preparing for a European title bout against David Avanesyan. With six knockout wins and a reputation for entertaining boxing, he seemed destined for the top.
But behind the scenes, Kelly was fighting severe hypochondria — a constant fear of illness.
“I used to stack Lemsips in fight week and take three or four a day for no reason,” Kelly said. “I kept thinking, what if I get sick?”
The pressure to be perfect slowly affected his sleep, confidence, and focus.
Sleepless Nights and Costly Mistakes
Before the Avanesyan fight, Kelly barely slept throughout the week. Anxiety kept him awake, and desperation pushed him towards unhealthy coping methods.
“One night I even tried drinking whiskey just to fall asleep,” he admitted.
On fight night, things got worse.
“I had seven caffeine shots in 15 minutes,” Kelly revealed. “My heart was racing and my mind wasn’t there.”
He went on to lose the bout — the only defeat of his career — in what he now calls a mental blur.
Parenthood Added New Pressure
After becoming a father in 2018, Kelly’s anxiety spread beyond boxing into his personal life.
“I was always worrying about germs,” he said. “I wouldn’t touch things and kept thinking about washing hands.”
The fear began affecting daily routines and relationships.
“It was spilling into other areas of my life. That’s when I knew I had to change,” Kelly added.
Support System Helped Him Rebuild
Following his defeat, Kelly took a 16-month break from boxing to focus on recovery. He sought professional help and leaned heavily on family, friends, and faith.
“My friends helped, but God helped the most,” Kelly said.
He also credits mentor Steven Green for reshaping his mindset.
“He opened my mind. That changed everything,” Kelly explained.
Under trainer Adam Booth, Kelly returned stronger and more focused.
Strong Comeback and Growing Confidence
Kelly marked his comeback with a stoppage win over Peter Kramer and followed it with impressive victories over Troy Williamson and Ishmael Davis.
He is now on a seven-fight winning streak and has re-established himself as a top contender.
“Training is 90% physical and 10% mental,” Kelly said. “But on fight night, it’s the opposite. Now I’m ready.”
At light-middleweight, he feels more comfortable with his body and no longer struggles with extreme weight cuts.
World Title Opportunity in Newcastle
Kelly will face Bakhram Murtazaliev on January 31 at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle.
Undercard coverage begins at 19:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, before switching to BBC Radio 5 Live at 21:00. Live text updates will be available on the BBC Sport website.
“I’m mentally strong now,” Kelly said. “No one can shake me anymore.”
Looking back, Kelly admits he never imagined reaching this stage.
“If you told me years ago I’d be fighting for a world title, I’d have laughed,” he said.
“But now I know it’s possible. It’s about faith, belief, and trusting the right people.”
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