Baraou vs Kelly

When is Baraou vs Kelly?

Abass Baraou could face the challenge of Josh Kelly in Autumn/Fall 2026 the United States.

The fight would be contested over 12 rounds in the Super Welterweight division, which means the weight limit would be 154 pounds (11 stone or 69.8 kg).

Kelly would be defending his IBF World Junior Middleweight Championship for the first time. He won this belt against Bakhram Murtazaliev in January 2026. He has held this belt for 27 days.

Baraou vs Kelly stats

Abass Baraou would step into the ring with a record of 17 wins, 2 losses, and 0 draws, 9 of those wins coming by way of knockout.

Josh Kelly would make his way to the ring with a record of 18 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw, with 9 of those wins by knockout.

The stats suggest Baraou would have a slight advantage in power over Kelly, with a 53% knockout percentage compared to Kelly's 50%.

Abass Baraou is the same age as Josh Kelly, at 31 years old.

Both Abass Baraou and Josh Kelly fight out of an orthodox stance.

Baraou is currently arguably the less experienced fighter, having had 1 fewer fights, and made his debut in 2018, 1 year later than Kelly, whose first professional fight was in 2017. He has fought 4 more professional rounds, totaling 143 compared to Kelly's 139.

Abass Baraou goes into the fight ranked number 4 by the WBA, 10 by the WBC, 5 by the WBO, and 10 by The Ring at super welterweight.

Josh Kelly is currently ranked number 7 by The Ring in the 154lb division.

Baraou vs Kelly form

Abass Baraou has beaten 4 of his last 5 opponents.

In his last fight, he lost to Xander Zayas on January 31, 2026, by split decision in their WBO World Junior Middleweight and WBA World Super Welterweight championship fight at Coliseo de Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Prior to that, he had beaten Yoenis Tellez on August 23, 2025, by unanimous decision in their WBA Interim World Super Welterweight championship fight at Caribe Royale Orlando, Orlando, United States.

Going into that contest, he had won against Macaulay McGowan on June 14, 2024, by unanimous decision in their 12 round contest at Toughsheet Community Stadium, Bolton, United Kingdom.

Before that, he had beaten Sam Eggington on March 1, 2024, by majority decision in their WBA World Super Welterweight eliminator fight at Telford International Centre, Telford.

He had defeated Hugo Noriega on December 8, 2023, by unanimous decision in their 8 round contest at Caribe Royale Orlando, Orlando, United States.

Kelly has won 5 of his most recent fights, stopping 2 of them, going the distance 3 times.

In his last fight, he won against Bakhram Murtazaliev on January 31, 2026, by majority decision in their IBF World Junior Middleweight championship fight at Utilita Arena, Newcastle, United Kingdom.

Prior to that, he had won against Flavius Biea on June 6, 2025, by knockout in the 1st round at Newcastle Arena, Newcastle.

Going into that contest, he had defeated Ishmael Davis on September 21, 2024, by majority decision in their 12 round contest at Wembley Stadium, London.

Before that, he had beaten Placido Ramirez on December 16, 2023, by knockout in the 3rd round at Beacon of Light, Sunderland.

He had won against Gabriel Alberto Corzo on July 15, 2023, by unanimous decision in their 12 round contest at Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle.

Activity check

In terms of recent activity, Abass Baraou has been fighting more than Josh Kelly.

Abass Baraou last fought 7 months and 17 days ago, while Josh Kelly's last outing was 7 months and 17 days ago.

Baraou's last 5 fights have come over a period of 2 years, 9 months and 9 days, which means he has been fighting approximately every 6 months and 21 days. In those fights, he fought a total of 56 rounds, meaning that they have lasted 11.2 rounds on average.

Kelly's last 5 fights have come over a period of 3 years, 2 months and 2 days, meaning he has been fighting on average every 7 months and 20 days. In those fights, he fought a total of 40 rounds, meaning that they have lasted 8 rounds on average.

What are the odds on Baraou vs Kelly?

Sorry, we couldn’t find any odds for Baraou vs Kelly yet. If odds are not available initially after the fight is announced, bookmakers usually release them closer to the day of the fight.