Kelly claimed Murtazaliev’s IBF junior middleweight belt via majority decision after a thrilling fight during which both boxers were dropped.

The Russian’s team, however, has lodged an appeal with the IBF regarding the result, requesting an immediate return for the previously undefeated 33-year-old.

“I guess they’re doing what they can,” Booth told The Ring in response.

“They’re going for the last resort of an administrative option that they have to try and keep hold of something from the fight. 

“None of them complained about the decision, all of them admitted that Josh won the fight.”

The thrust of the appeal centers around the decision by English judge Steve Gray to score the final round 10-10. This meant his final scorecard was 114-113 in Kelly’s favor, which ultimately secured the Englishman the famous victory.



Had Gray scored the final round in for Murtazaliev, his card would have read 113-113, the same as Polish judge Pawel Kardyni, which would have resulted in a majority draw which would have allowed him to keep his title.

American judge John Basile did not see the fight anywhere near as close as he scored Kelly a 115-111 winner.

Booth added: “They’re complaining about Steve Gray’s 10-10 in the last round, well if they’re complaining of a bias against them, then surely the English judge would have scored the round to Josh.

“In that round, one gave it to Murtazaliev, one gave it to Josh and one made it even.

“I don’t know why they’re going there with it, other than they’re just trying to hold onto something but we won’t let that spoil our celebration. We know who won the fight and we’re looking forwards now, not backwards or sideways.”

Kelly (18-1-1, 9 KOs) became Sunderland’s first world champion and the 31-year-old "Pretty Boy" has a long list of options.

Fights with former welterweight king Jaron Ennis and fellow Brit Conor Benn have been mooted, but he might have to rematch Murtazaliev again pending the IBF's decision.

When asked about the chances of a second fight with Murtazaliev, Booth said: “You can never say never in life, anything can happen.

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