Josh Kelly made his opportunity count, taking the IBF super welterweight championship from Bakhram Murtazaliev by majority decision today in Newcastle, England.
Kelly (18-1-1, 9 KO) had the best night of his career in the biggest night of his career, taking two cards on scores of 114-113 and 115-111, nicking the win over Murtazaliev (23-1, 17 KO) and handing the Russian his first defeat in a fairly notable upset outcome.
Kelly, 31, started very well, as the former Olympian built a strong early lead and scored a knockdown in the fourth round, looking sharper and fresher than Murtazaliev, whose 15-month layoff may have played a part in his slow start.
But Murtazaliev did get into it, scoring his own knockdown in round nine, and familiar questions were asked of Kelly’s cardio and mental fortitude.
This time, Kelly made the adjustments and held on to take the decision and win his first world title.
“If it wasn’t for this crowd, and the energy behind us, I wouldn’t have got up [from the knockdown] and carried on, I don’t think,” Kelly said, thanking the fans for their vocal presence. “This feels like a dream.”
“I was calm, cool, collected, never got greedy. I accepted (what happened in) the ninth round,” he added. “I paid the price, but I showed I’ve got heart, got up and continued.”
Jaron “Boots” Ennis was floated as a possible next opponent.
Murtazaliev vs Kelly scorecards
Bad Left Hook unofficially scored the fight 113-113.
