Kelly Secures First World Title After Upset Victory

Josh Kelly overcame a late crisis to dethrone Bakhram Murtazaliev and claim the IBF World Junior Middleweight Title.

The Brit handed the Russian his first professional defeat, winning a majority decision at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle: 115-111, 114-113, and 113-113. Kelly secured the first major breakthrough in the fourth. Kelly timed a jab perfectly on the counter as Murtazaliev leaned in. The impact sent the champion to the canvas for a flash knockdown.

While Kelly seemed relaxed, he almost paid for it in the ninth. A hook to the temple sent Kelly to his knees. Despite being badly dazed, Kelly rose and weathered the storm. Although the Russian pressed forward, Kelly’s cleaner, more eye-catching work in the final minutes proved decisive.

Post-Fight

“It feels like a dream. I envisioned this. I was praying a couple of days ago, envisioned the fight, and I had deja vu of the knockdown in the tenth round. I had to concentrate – I feel overwhelmed. I need to take a second backstage to gather myself. I’m mentally exhausted,” Kelly said

Full Card

Josh Kelly def. Bakhram Murtazaliev via majority decision (113-113, 115-111, 114-113) — IBF Super Welterweight Title

Josh Padley def. Jaouad Belmehdi via second-round KO — Super Featherweight

Elif Nur Turhan def. Taylah Gentzen via split decision (93-97, 98-92, 96-94) — IBF Lightweight Title

Leo Atang def. Amine Boucetta via third-round KO — Heavyweigh

Josh Blenkiron def. Robbie Colman via points (96-95) — Lightweight

Kiaran MacDonald def. Marius Vysniauskas via points (40-35) — Bantamweight

Lee Rogers def. Erick Omar Lopez via points (60-54) — Bantamweight

Bradley Casey def. Lee Roberts via points (40-36) — Cruiserweight

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