Britain’s newest world champion could be set for immediate rematch after controversial scorecard causes stir

Josh Kelly may be forced to run back his victory over Bakhram Murtazaliev.

The Tyne and Wear technician defeated Murtazaliev via majority decision last month to claim the IBF super welterweight title in front of an adoring home crowd at the Utilita Newcastle Arena.

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It was a close, competitive contest that saw both men exchange knockdowns.

Judge Pawel Kardyni scored the contest 113-113 even, while Steve Gray and John Basile had it 114-113 and 115-111 in Kelly’s favour.

Kelly getting his hand raised was not controversial in itself.

The consensus belief is that the 31-year-old did enough to edge it.

However, Gray’s scoring of the 12th and final round caused a stir.

The experienced official submitted a highly unusual 10-10 scorecard, which is frowned upon and generally advised against.

Especially in a high-stakes world title fight.

Had Gray scored the round 10-9 for Murtazaliev, then the contest would have been declared a draw, and the Russian would have retained the red and gold strap.

Murtazaliev’s Attorney Patrick English, has subsequently submitted an appeal to the IBF on his behalf for an immediate rematch, arguing that his client was the rightful winner of the 12th stanza

“We ask that you do so here,” English wrote in the letter.

BoxRec

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“We attend judges’ training sessions regularly, including those of the IBF.

“We cannot recall anywhere the issue of a 10-10 round did not come up.

“In every one … judges are taught that 10-10 rounds should be utilised only in the rarest of circumstances, such as where a bout is stopped when there has been no action in a round.

“They are taught that where there is any action, the judge is to carefully gauge that action, and there is always something which sets one fighter above the other.

“We ask that the president and championship chair of the IBF exercise their discretion under Rule 5.K and order a rematch.”

Rule 5.K states that, “The Championships Chairman and the President, in their discretion, may direct two contestants to engage in a rematch for the Championship within a prescribed time.”