Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland – In a historic night of boxing at the Theatre at The Mill, Belfast fighter Colm “The Posh Boy” Murphy captured the vacant Commonwealth Featherweight Championship on January 31, 2026, solidifying his status as one of Ireland’s rising stars in the sport.
The 26-year-old south Belfast native, fighting on home soil under the MHD Promotions banner, delivered a commanding performance against Tanzania’s Saleh Kassim Abdalla, a highly regarded African champion with a record of 12-5-2 entering the bout. Murphy stopped his opponent via corner retirement due to a hand injury sustained by Kassim, with the fight halted going into the second half—specifically after round 6 in some reports—securing a decisive victory.
The win improves Murphy’s unblemished professional record to 16-0 and marks a significant milestone: he becomes the first Commonwealth featherweight champion from Northern Ireland since Billy “Spider” Kelly in the 1950s. The achievement propels the unbeaten prospect into the top 15 world rankings across the four major sanctioning bodies, positioning him as a legitimate contender on the global stage.
Murphy controlled the action throughout, showcasing sharp technique and composure against a tough, experienced opponent. While some critics had questioned the risk of taking on Kassim—Murphy himself noted in post-fight comments that he had been called a “clown” for accepting the fight—the Belfast fighter proved his doubters wrong with a confident display that never left the outcome in serious doubt.
The event at the Theatre at The Mill made history as the venue’s first-ever championship contest, drawing an enthusiastic crowd to witness the landmark moment. Murphy’s triumph was part of a strong night for local talent, with undercard wins adding to the celebratory atmosphere in Newtownabbey.
With the Commonwealth title now around his waist, attention quickly turns to Murphy’s next challenge. The featherweight champion will step up to super-featherweight for a high-profile clash against Dublin’s Jono Carroll on March 14, 2026, contesting the IBO belt on the undercard of the Jazza Dickens-Anthony Cacace fight.
Murphy’s rise from the small-hall circuit to Commonwealth champion highlights his dedication and skill, and fans will be watching closely as he continues his pursuit of even bigger prizes in the professional ranks.
Congratulations to Colm Murphy—the new Commonwealth Featherweight Champion! 🥊
