Murtazaliev vs. Kelly: Briton Josh Kelly wins the IBF lightweight title

Briton Josh Kelly produced a brilliant and courageous performance to defeat Bakram Murtazaliev and win the IBF light middleweight title by majority decision in Newcastle.

It was a remarkable display of Kelly as he danced around the ring, displaying devastating speed and IQ – knowing when to step in and when to stand on his heels.

Both fighters hit the canvas with Murtazaliev going down in the fourth and Kelly in the ninth. The Brit was down twice more late in the fight, but both were ruled as slips.

Two judges scored the bout 115-111 and 114-113 in favor of Kelly while the other tied it 113-113.

Murtazaliev appeared to be able to control Kelly’s elusive style in the final rounds, but the home fighter recovered in the final three minutes to finish strong.

Kelly, who became Sunderland’s first world champion, ran to hug manager Adam Booth when the result was announced before grabbing the belt and raising it to the crowd of 4,000.

“It feels like a dream. I envisioned this,” Kelly told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I was praying two days ago, imagining the fight, and I felt like I was knocked out in the 10th round.

“I had to focus – I feel exhausted. I need to sit backstage and collect myself. I’m mentally exhausted.”

Kelly brings the number of UK world champions to six, along with Fabio Wardley at heavyweight, Lewis Croker at welterweight, Jazza Dickens at super featherweight, Nick Ball at featherweight and Dalton Smith at light welterweight.

The 31-year-old extends his winning streak to eight.