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Josh Kelly Crowned IBF Champion, First for Sunderland!

2/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Josh Kelly defeated Bakhram Murtazaliev by majority decision to claim the IBF super welterweight title on January 31, 2026, in Newcastle, England, becoming Sunderland's first world champion.
The judges scored 115-111, 114-113, and 113-113.
Kelly scored a fourth-round knockdown.
Murtazaliev scored a knockdown in the ninth round.
Kelly will face top contenders such as Jaron Ennis.

History

Historical Context

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) sanctioned its inaugural super welterweight title match in 1988, featuring Simon Brown as champion. This marked a significant development in boxing, establishing a new competitive category. Recently, Josh Kelly became Sunderland's first world champion in this division, reflecting the sport's evolution and the rise of new talent, paving the way for future matchups against elite fighters like Jaron Ennis.

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Story summary

Josh Kelly defeated Bakhram Murtazaliev by majority decision to claim the IBF super welterweight title on January 31, 2026, in Newcastle, England, becoming Sunderland's first world champion.
The judges scored 115-111, 114-113, and 113-113.
Kelly scored a fourth-round knockdown.
Murtazaliev scored a knockdown in the ninth round.
Kelly will face top contenders such as Jaron Ennis.

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