KELLY beats Murtazaliev to capture IBF world super-welterweight crown and become Sunderland’s first world champ

Josh Kelly recovered from a 9^th round knockdown after FLOORING Bakhram Murtazaliev in the 4^th to become IBF world champion and Britain’s 6^th current world CHAMP.

After the KNOCKDOWN in the 9^th KELLY bounced back to hand Murtazaliev his first PRO defeat and continue his [Kelly’s] winner run with 8 on the SPIN.

Judges in NEWCASTLE live on DAZN saw the bout 115-111 and 114-113 whilst a third judge saw it 113-113 a draw, giving the Sunderland fight the bout by majority decision.

31yo Kelly speaking after the bout to BBC Radio 5 Live said”It feels like a dream. I envisioned this.

“I had to concentrate – I feel overwhelmed. I need to take a second backstage to gather myself. I’m mentally exhausted.”

Who will be next for BRITAIN’S newest world champ trained by Adam Booth?