What's Happening?
Josh Kelly became the IBF light-middleweight champion after defeating Bakhram Murtazaliev in Newcastle. Despite being knocked down in the ninth round, Kelly secured a victory with scores of 115-111, 114-113,
and a draw of 113-113 from the judges. This win marks Kelly's eighth consecutive victory since his first professional defeat in 2021. The fight was intense, with both boxers exchanging powerful blows, but Kelly's resilience and strategic prowess ultimately led him to victory, making him Sunderland's first world champion.
Why It's Important?
Kelly's victory is significant as it adds to the growing list of British world boxing champions, enhancing the country's reputation in the sport. The win also represents a personal triumph for Kelly, who has overcome past setbacks to achieve this milestone. For the boxing community, this fight highlights the competitive nature of the sport and the importance of perseverance and strategy. Murtazaliev's first professional defeat also shifts the dynamics in the light-middleweight division, potentially affecting future matchups and rankings.
