JOSH KELLY UPSETS THE UNDEFEATED BAKHRAM MURTAZALIEV IN NEWCASTLE – VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
Newcastle, UK (February 1st, 2026) — Josh Kelly captured the IBF super welterweight world title on January 31, 2026, defeating Bakhram Murtazaliev, 33, (23-1, 17 kos), by majority decision in an upset in Newcastle, England. Kelly was a plus 300 underdog going into this fight on some betting sites.
Josh Kelly, 31, (18-1-1, 9 Kos) produced a career-best performance at the Utilita Arena to become Britain’s latest world champion. Majority Decision (115-111, 114-113, 113-113) over the previously undefeated Bakhram Murtazaliev.
Kelly scored a knockdown in the 4th round with a well-timed right hand. However, he had trouble later in the fight when he was floored himself in the 9th round by a left hook, but recovered to finish the championship rounds strongly.
This win is Kelly’s eighth consecutive victory since moving up to the 154-pound division and marks him as the first world champion from Sunderland.
Super Welterweight Josh Kelly defeats Bakhram Murtazaliev (c) Decision (MD 12)
Super Featherweight Josh Padley defeats Jaouad Belmehdi KO (Round 2)
Lightweight Elif Nur Turhan defeats Taylah Gentzen by decision (SD 10)
Heavyweight Leo Atang defeats Amine Boucetta KO (Round 3)
Lightweight Josh Blenkiron defeats Robbie Colman Decision (Points 10)
Bantamweight Kiaran MacDonald defeats Marius Vysniauskas by Decision (Points 4)
Bantamweight Lee Rogers defeats Erick Omar Lopez by Decision (Points 6)
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