Matt Thacker
Dreams do come true and Josh “Pretty Boy” Kelly proved that in extraordinary fashion. He gave the sport of boxing a night it will never forget.
Describing himself as a “kid from a council estate’’ from Sunderland to the very top of the boxing world, Kelly has completed the journey so many dream about, but so few ever achieve.
On 31 January 2026, he shocked the world by defeating the unbeaten Bakhram Murtazaliev to become IBF super welterweight world champion.
It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. Murtazaliev was the favourite and the pressure was huge, especially in front of his home fans. But Matchroom Boxing’s Josh Kelly walked into that ring carrying more than just a game plan. He carried every setback, every quiet struggle and every moment that nearly broke him.
Murtazaliev, a feared knockout artist, brought relentless pressure from the first bell. Kelly had to stay disciplined, focused and sharp – exactly what his trainer, Adam Booth, had drilled into him. “Discipline” was the word across Booth’s top and Kelly delivered it in every round. Both men hit the canvas in an incredible battle that had the crowd on their feet.
Even after being knocked down in the ninth, Kelly showed unbelievable heart, bravery and determination, dragging himself through the storm and back to the game plan for the final vital rounds.
When the final bell rang, he had done it!
The scenes were powerful. When he was announced as world champion, the emotion poured out. The pride on Adam Booth’s face said everything. Their embrace told the story of years of hard work, dedication and battles behind the scenes. Adam Booth isn’t just a trainer; he’s a father figure to Josh, someone who has been there through every high and low, deeply invested in both his boxing and his life.
A fighter who had once questioned everything now stood with a world title around his waist. This wasn’t just a victory; it was the moment he had been waiting for his entire life. It shows clearly that you should never give up!
Kelly’s career has never followed a straight line. Once seen as one of British boxing’s brightest talents, his early rise was fast and exciting. Flashy, confident and full of belief, he looked destined for greatness. But in 2021, defeat and personal struggles nearly derailed everything. The pressure, the weight of perfection and the battle inside his own mind became harder than any opponent.
Many fighters would have walked away. Kelly chose to fight back. With the support of his family, faith and those closest to him, he took the time he needed to rebuild.
Central to that journey has been Adam Booth. More than a trainer – Booth has been his rock. A steady voice and constant belief. Together, they rebuilt not just the fighter, but the man.
Now, the future is wide open. Big fights and big nights on the horizon. Conor Benn at the Stadium of Light? Jaron “Boots” Ennis in America?
One thing is certain: Josh Kelly has some huge moments ahead. But whatever happens next, he has already won the biggest fight of all. He is the world champion.
