Josh Kelly renews Matchroom deal with Ennis unification targeted for January 2027

IBF junior-middleweight champion Josh Kelly has signed a new multi-fight agreement with Matchroom Boxing, with promoter Eddie Hearn having identified late January 2027 as the target for a three-belt unification against Jaron “Boots” Ennis.

Matchroom announced the extension today. Kelly, 32, won the IBF title from Bakhram Murtazaliev by majority decision at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena in January before making his first defence against Caoimhin Agyarko in Jeddah in July.

“I’m World Champion and I am very excited about the future with Matchroom Boxing,” Kelly said in the announcement. “Now I only want the biggest fights in the division. Unifications. Bring it on. Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing and DAZN is the only place to be.”

Ennis holds the WBA and WBO titles after stopping Xander Zayas in the seventh round in June. Both champions are promoted by Matchroom, and Hearn has said their contracts contain provisions allowing the company to activate the proposed unification.

In an interview published by The Ring last Tuesday, Hearn said the contest was close to being finalised, with late January his preferred window.

“I mean, we’re virtually there to be honest with you,” Hearn said. “When you represent two guys, both guys essentially have that fight in their contract. So it’s just kind of up to us to activate that with the broadcaster.

“On that, I’m not going to say too much, but we got massive plans with DAZN for that fight. So you’re looking at the end of January, because we want the right arena and the right slot. As I said, there will be some pretty groundbreaking news for that fight. It’s a huge unification fight.”

Earlier this month, Hearn had identified December or early January as the likely window. “It’s either December or very early January,” he told BoxingScene and other reporters in comments published on October 2.

That report followed Tris Dixon’s Total Boxing reporting that Kelly’s side had agreed to the contest. Hearn explained that the contractual provisions were already in place, while BoxingScene also noted earlier reports linking the fight to Atlanta, Georgia. A date and venue have yet to be formally announced.

Kelly suffered a significant cut to his nose during his unanimous-decision victory over the previously unbeaten Agyarko. According to BoxingScene’s report earlier this month, trainer and manager Adam Booth had subsequently confirmed that the injury would heal in time for Kelly to fight again before the end of the year.

Kelly’s record stands at 19–1–1 with nine stoppages, while Ennis is unbeaten in 36 fights, with 32 victories inside the distance.

Fundora victory keeps undisputed fight in reach

WBC champion Sebastian Fundora defeated Ermal Hadribeaj on Saturday, clearing his scheduled mandatory defence and leaving him available for a potential undisputed championship fight against the Ennis–Kelly winner.

Speaking to The Ring last week, ahead of Fundora’s defence, Hearn revealed discussions with his representative, Luis DeCubas Jr, and Premier Boxing Champions about securing that fight in advance.

“We’re also in talks at the moment with Luis DeCubas Jr. and PBC about the winner fighting Fundora straight off the bat,” Hearn said. “We’re looking to contract that almost in the same process, because that’s really what both guys want.”

Fundora holds the only major title that would not be at stake between Ennis and Kelly. His victory keeps the proposed route to an undisputed champion intact, although no agreement for that subsequent contest has been announced.

“Boots wants to try and become undisputed as quickly as possible,” Hearn told The Ring. “Same with Kelly, who is rolling the dice in the big leagues for the big money.”

The new agreement continues Kelly’s second spell with Matchroom. The 2016 Great Britain Olympian began his professional career with the company in 2017 before later rebuilding at junior-middleweight following his only defeat, which came at welterweight.

Wins over Troy Williamson, Gabriel Alberto Corzo and Placido Ramirez helped establish him at 154lbs before he defeated Murtazaliev to become world champion.

“We are thrilled to extend Josh Kelly’s contract with Matchroom Boxing,” Hearn said in today’s announcement. “He is an elite operator and one of the pound-for-pound best the UK has to offer.

“It is no secret that we have some huge plans ahead for Josh in 2027, where he will be aiming to add more World Titles to his collection.”