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Josh Kelly Secures IBF Light-Middleweight Title in Thrilling Upset
Newcastle, England – February 1, 2026 - Josh kelly of Britain has achieved a career-defining victory, defeating Bakhram Murtazaliev by majority decision to claim the IBF light-middleweight title. the bout, held in Newcastle, showcased Kelly’s exceptional skill and resilience, marking a meaningful moment in British boxing history.
A Tactical Masterclass
Kelly employed a dynamic and evasive fighting style throughout the contest, utilizing his speed and ring intelligence to frustrate Murtazaliev. He expertly managed the distance, choosing his moments to engage and effectively avoiding sustained attacks. This tactical approach proved crucial in controlling the tempo of the fight.
Dramatic Exchanges and Knockdowns
The fight was punctuated by dramatic moments, including knockdowns for both fighters.Murtazaliev was sent to the canvas in the fourth round, while Kelly experienced a knockdown in the ninth.however, two further late-fight knockdowns against Kelly were correctly ruled as slips, maintaining the momentum in his favor. These swings in fortune added to the intensity and excitement of the match.
The Judges’ Decision
The judges’ scorecards reflected the closely contested nature of the fight. Two judges scored the bout 115-111 and 114-113 in favor of Kelly, while the third judge submitted a score of 113-113, resulting in a majority decision victory for the British fighter.
A Historic Win for Sunderland
Wiht this victory, Josh Kelly becomes the first boxer from Sunderland to ever win a world championship title. The win was met with jubilation from the 4,000-strong crowd in attendance, as Kelly embraced his trainer,