British boxer Josh Kelly made history by claiming the IBF light-middleweight title, defeating Bakhram Murtazaliev in a thrilling bout in Newcastle. Kelly's performance showcased his exceptional speed and strategic ring awareness, dancing around Murtazaliev's attacks with precision. The fight saw Kelly go down three times, but all were ruled as slips, and he emerged victorious by majority decision. Two judges scored the bout in Kelly's favor, with one judge calling it a draw. Murtazaliev's resilience in the later rounds couldn't prevent Kelly's strong finish in the final minutes. This victory marks a significant achievement for Kelly, becoming Sunderland's first world champion. The 31-year-old's win extends his winning streak to eight and solidifies his place among the UK's reigning male world champions, joining the likes of Fabio Wardley, Lewis Crocker, Jazza Dickens, Nick Ball, and Dalton Smith. Kelly's emotional post-fight interview revealed his intense preparation and mental focus, leaving him overwhelmed with joy and a sense of accomplishment.
