Murtazaliev vs Kelly: How Briton Josh Kelly overcame OCD to win the world title

Kelly took 16 months out of the ring after his loss to Avanesan to address his condition.

He sought some professional help but largely relied on friends, family, and his faith to change his mindset.

“My friends helped me, but God helped me a lot,” Kelly said.

“I spoke to a few people and eventually found this guy Stephen Green who is a friend and mentor of mine now.

“I was on a Zoom call about the property and he said he could help with my boxing mindset. I didn’t believe it until we had some deep chat and he opened my mind.”

Kelly – who is trained by Adam Booth – marked his comeback with a stoppage win over Peter Kramer and has excelled at both domestic and European level.

Victories over current British and Commonwealth middleweight champion Troy Williamson and current British and Commonwealth lightweight champion Ishmael Davis sent a clear signal of intent.

Now, after a seven-fight winning streak, Kelly has been pushed to the world title stage and faces unbeaten Russian Martazaliyev for middleweight glory at the Utilita Arena.

“Boxing training is probably 90 percent physical and 10 percent mental, but it flips the other way on fight night and I nailed it,” Kelly said.

“I’m so mentally strong now that no one can come close to that while I’m closed. Not only do I believe it, I know it’s real.”

“The time I spent was essential so that I could organize myself and reach my potential. Now I feel strong. I don’t cut so much weight and I feel mature.

“At the time, if you asked me if I would be competing for a world title right now, I would say you are crazy.

“It’s about faith, belief and putting trust in the right people around me.”