Joshua Kelly snares IBF title in a thriller.

Joshua Kelly authored a stunning upset in Nottingham, U.K., narrowly dethroning IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev in the finest performance of his career. Kelly floored the previously unbeaten champion in the fourth round with a crisp counter left hand, but adversity struck back in the ninth when an inside right sent Kelly to the canvas. Afterward, Kelly admitted he had no memory of the tenth round, suddenly realizing he was already in the eleventh with just two rounds remaining. Relying on movement, speed, footwork, and angles, Kelly survived by the slimmest of margins, earning a majority decision with scores of 113-113, 115-111, and 114-113. The new IBF champion immediately made it clear he’s open to all challengers, including the winner of Xander Zayas–Abass Baraou for the WBO/WBA titles, or even Jaron “Boots” Ennis. Kelly improves to 18-1-1 (9 KOs), while Murtazaliev suffers his first defeat, falling to 23-1 (17 KOs).

Josh Padley captured the European super featherweight title in emphatic fashion, stopping France’s Jaouad Belmehdi via second-round TKO. The tall, rangy Belmehdi was shaken repeatedly before Padley flattened him with a sweeping left hand in the second. Unable to regain his legs, Belmehdi was stalked mercilessly until Padley sent him down again, prompting referee Jon Llona Fernandez to halt the contest immediately at 2:35 of the round. The win completes a remarkable turnaround for Padley, who rebounded from a spirited loss to Shakur Stevenson less than a year ago with three straight victories and now a European title. Padley moves to 18-1 (6 KOs), while Belmehdi drops to 23-3-3 (11 KOs).

IBF women’s lightweight champion Elif Nur Turhan of Türkiye was forced to dig deep to retain her title against a determined Taylah Gentzen of Australia. Over ten closely contested rounds, Gentzen had her share of success, but Nur Turhan finished stronger to edge a split decision by scores of 96-94, 98-92, and 93-97 for Gentzen. Nur Turhan remains unbeaten at 13-0 (8 KOs), while Gentzen falls to 8-2 (3 KOs).

Kicking off the DAZN broadcast, heavyweight prospect Leo Atang delivered a punishing performance, stopping Moroccan-born, Belgium-based Amine Boucetta at 0:39 of the third round. It marked the longest bout of Atang’s young career, improving him to 4-0 (4 KOs). Relentless body work proved decisive, as Boucetta’s midsection couldn’t withstand the sustained assault. Boucetta drops to 9-18.