Murtazaliev Defends IBF Championship with Knockout Victory Over Tszyu
Bakhram Murtazaliev has made headlines in the boxing world after delivering a stunning performance against Tim Tszyu, knocking him out in the third round to retain his IBF junior middleweight championship. This victory marks a significant milestone in Murtazaliev's career, as he continues to establish himself among the elite in a highly competitive division that includes notable fighters like Terence Crawford and Sebastian Fundora.
Murtazaliev, who hails from Chechnya, has quickly risen through the ranks since turning professional at the age of 21. He secured his title after Jermell Charlo vacated the opportunity to fight Jack Culcay, paving the way for Murtazaliev to achieve his championship status. His previous fight was a technical knockout victory against Culcay in the 11th round, setting the stage for a high-stakes matchup against Tszyu.
Tszyu, known for his boxing lineage and previous interim WBO championship title, entered the ring with high expectations. However, the fight did not unfold as he had planned. Despite his confidence, Tszyu struggled against Murtazaliev's aggressive style, which saw him dominating the exchanges from the start. The first knockdown came in the second round, followed by another that left Tszyu reeling. The Australian fighter, displaying commendable resilience, continued to fight back but ultimately succumbed to a left hook that led to the referee's decision to stop the contest in the third round.
Both fighters expressed mutual respect post-fight, with Murtazaliev acknowledging Tszyu's courage and inviting him to train together in the future. Tszyu admitted the defeat was fair, stating, 'The best man won today. He was simply better prepared, so no excuses.' This victory not only solidifies Murtazaliev's status as a champion but also opens doors for potential unification fights, elevating his profile in the sport.
