Underdog Josh Kelly dethrones Bakhram Murtazaliev in Newcastle
Boxing Scene • • sports
Key Points:
- Sunderland’s Kelly overcame doubts about his stamina and heart to defeat the previously avoided Russian champion Murtazaliev, improving his record to 18-1-1 with 9 KOs.
- Kelly started strong, using flashy footwork and quick hands to drop Murtazaliev in the fourth round and build an early lead.
- Despite being hurt and knocked down in the ninth round, Kelly showed resilience, surviving Murtazaliev’s late surge and regaining his composure in the final rounds.
- In a closely contested fight, Kelly maintained his advantage and sealed the victory after a powerful twelfth round, capturing the title and marking himself as a rising contender in the 154lb division.
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