What's Happening?
Josh Kelly achieved a significant victory by defeating Bakhram Murtazaliev to win the IBF super welterweight title in Newcastle, England. The match ended in a majority decision with scores of 113-113,
115-111, and 114-113 in favor of Kelly. This victory marks a major comeback for Kelly, who had previously suffered a setback in his career with a loss to David Avanesyan in 2021. Since then, Kelly has won eight consecutive fights, showcasing his resilience and skill. The fight was characterized by Kelly's effective use of movement, jabs, and counter-punching, which allowed him to outbox the previously undefeated Murtazaliev. Despite being knocked down in the ninth round, Kelly managed to recover and maintain his lead, ultimately securing the title.
Why It's Important?
Josh Kelly's victory over Bakhram Murtazaliev is significant as it not only crowns him as the IBF super welterweight champion but also revitalizes his career after previous setbacks. This win positions Kelly as a prominent figure in the boxing world and could lead to high-profile matches in the future, potentially against former unified welterweight champion Jaron 'Boots' Ennis. The victory also highlights the competitive nature of the super welterweight division and underscores the unpredictability of boxing, where underdogs can triumph against the odds. For the sport, such upsets can increase interest and viewership, drawing attention to emerging talents and setting the stage for exciting future matchups.
