Josh Kelly pulled off a major upset on Saturday night in Newcastle, defeating unbeaten IBF super-welterweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev by majority decision. The Sunderland fighter, who entered as a significant underdog, claimed the world title in a dramatic contest that saw both men hit the canvas.
Kelly dropped Murtazaliev in the fourth round and appeared in control before being heavily floored in the ninth. He survived the round and rallied in the final stanzas, with two judges scoring the fight in his favour and the third calling it a draw. Trainer Adam Booth's stern words during the breaks, particularly after the knockdown, proved crucial in keeping Kelly focused.
The 31-year-old now joins a select group of British world champions and has a wealth of options. A potential clash with Conor Benn, who is also promoted by Matchroom's Eddie Hearn, looms as one of the biggest fights in British boxing outside the heavyweight division. Benn, who has never won a world title, may move up from welterweight to super-welterweight for the bout.
Kelly has expressed a desire to fight at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, and Matchroom's Frank Smith revealed that the club has already invited him to discuss the possibility. 'They said: "Club inviting Josh into the boardroom on Monday and let's get the fight made there,"' Smith said at the post-fight press conference.
