Josh Kelly: What’s next for the new world champion after prior predictions that he would win the world title?

Saturday’s win in front of 4,000 raucous fans, who made the short trip to Newcastle from Sunderland, was the crowning moment in Kelly’s checkered career.

The bout was a microcosm of his 20-fight journey in the ring. It was full of courage and another story of overcoming adversity.

Kelly entered the bout as an underdog and was written off by many before even hanging up his gloves.

This wasn’t the first time he’d been overlooked, but unlike five years ago when he suffered a shock defeat and suffered from chronic obsessive-compulsive disorder – a condition officially called pathological anxiety disorder – Kelly now operates with an enhanced mindset.

He came out confident, knowing that his coaching staff, family and friends all believed he had the ability to prevail.

“Pretty Boy” danced around the ring and taunted the previously unbeaten Murtazaliev before scoring a fourth-round knockdown.

Murtazaliev rallied and responded with a strikeout of his own in the ninth but that was also something Kelly was feeling.

“I was praying that day and saw a vision of myself falling for a ride,” Kelly said.

“I got back up and felt these different emotions. One was that I was sloppy and I lost the fight but the other was that I get back to what I do best and get on with the tour.”

Kelly has come a long way from his mental struggles, which were coupled with difficulties making weight when he fought at welterweight.

“I told everyone what I was dealing with when I was 147 pounds (10’7, 6.7 kg), especially when it was COVID and I was having health scares,” Kelly said.

“I used to tell my parents that I used to feel sick when I was in hotels and always wear a mask.”

Kelly was billed as a future star when he worked his way through the amateur ranks and earned the chance to represent Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics.

In his first 10 fights as a professional, Kelly – who is signed to promoter Matchroom – fought on cards at Cardiff’s Principality Arena, the O2 Arena in London, and Madison Square Garden in New York.

He was pushed hard and put in winning performances.

But Kelly’s dreams collapsed after his loss to Avanesyan and he took a 16-month break before returning at light middleweight.

“I put Avanesyan to bed a long time ago,” Kelly said. “I just had to believe in myself.”

Now Kelly has the world at his feet.