local lad Josh “Pretty Boy” Kelly wins the world Championship in Newcastle

Josh, Pretty Boy, Kelly became the first Sunderland born boxer to win the light-middle weight world championship following on from his victory against Bakhram Murtazaliev in Newcastle.

Kelly won by majority decision with scorecards of 113-113, 115-111 and 114-113. Handing Murtazaliev his first in his career.

Kelly began the showdown in style. with sharp jabs knocking Murtazaliev early on but it didn’t take long for the Russian to show his own strength with a well timed jab on the Sunderland lad.

In round two, Kelly looked to be a bit on the ropes, fearful of the Russian, however towards the end of the round the Brit caught Murtazaliev with a fiery left jab.

After a round of limited activity, with Kelly moving round the ring avoiding the Russian’s attacks – Kelly produced a quick left hand and knocked him down, Murtazaliev was quickly back on his feet but Kelly looked comfortable.

Murtazaliev attempted to make his way back into the fight after being rocked in the previous round, but despite this Kelly landed a great right hook after avoiding the Russian’s onslaught.

Kelly once again held on while Murtazaliev attempts to claw himself back into the fight, as Kelly mistimed his attack but recovered quickly.

In round seven, Kelly stilled looked to be comfortably leading, defending when he needs to before launching quick and effective counter jabs.

Despite looking reasonably comfortable, the Russian produced a great shot, hitting the top of Kelly’s head which knocked him to the floor and the ref counted him out.

With three rounds to go, Murtazaliev had the momentum, throwing some powerful strikes however Kelly regrouped and defended well.

Kelly begun the round with a quick right hand before slipping to the deck, he regrouped well and gets the crowd to roar with a brilliant attacking combination.

In the final round, the Russian starts well with a huge right hand but Kelly took it well, countering on the Russian’s missed shots and Kelly again slipped.

Murtazaliev threw a couple of huge shots, thinking he needed a big finish, but his all out attack allowed for Kelly to throw his own huge shots to end the fight, showboating to the final bell.

Following the bell, Kelly celebrated wildly assuming he had won comfortably and he had by majority decision.