Josh Kelly writes history after becoming Britain’s new World Champion after a historic victory

Josh Kelly knew he would bring home the world title the moment he entered the hotel shower. Kelly became Britain’s newest world champion after impressively defeating Bakhram Murtazaliev for the IBF super-welterweight title in Newcastle. The 2016 Olympian had Murtazaliev, 33, on the ground and struggled to get back up from the canvas in the 12 dramatic but entertaining rounds.

Josh Kelly, 31, surprised the frightening Russian to win the gold he almost expected to follow a “spooky” run-up to the fight. He stated.

Josh Kelly on winning the world title

“When we first checked into the hotel room, I had a steam shower and a bath, and I asked my girlfriend to turn them both on to make sure the water was hot enough.

“She said to me, ‘Why have you drawn Olympic rings on the shower?’. I hadn’t done anything, but I went down to look, and it was as if the Olympic rings had been perfectly drawn on the shower.

“Then we got picked up in a van to go to the Sunderland training ground, and it had PYT (Pretty Young Thing) on the back of the reg.

“And outside my hotel, there was another car parked there constantly, an Aston Martin with the registration NEW.

“It started getting spooky in the end, and I just hoped it was a good thing!”

Josh Kelly to face Jaron Ennis next

Josh Kelly had the support of the entire Northeast, despite wearing Sunderland black and white at the Newcastle Arena. The new 154 lb champion has already signed a contract in place to face American star Jaron Ennis, among other options, with a Stadium of Light fight also discussed.

Kelly stated, “I was surprised at how easy it felt in there sometimes.

“I was calm, cool, and collected, and I never got greedy, except in the ninth round, and I paid the price for it.

“But I showed I’ve got heart, got up late in the fight, and continued. He was supposed to be a killer, but when I perform at my best and use everything I’ve got, I’m a hard night for anyone.

“There are plenty of names who can fill that stadium and make it a crazy night at the Stadium of Light.

“If I have to hang up gloves now, I’d be happy, but now is the time to get those big fights that will get people talking.”

Josh Kelly's performance has surely improved, as after he won the IBF Super Welterweight title in Newcastle, Sunderland has already offered to host Kelly's next bout.






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