Only a few have heard of undefeated IBF 154-pound champion Bakhram Murtazaliev before Saturday; however, after what he did to Tim Tszyu, his name is ringing bells.
Murtazaliev dropped Tszyu, the son of former world champion Kostya Tszyu, four times on his way to a third-round stoppage in the main event of PBC Championship Boxing from the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs) was making the first defense of his title, and he was in complete control from start to finish.
The first knockdown came in round two with a counter left hook, sending Tszyu (24-2, 17 KOs) to the canvas. Tszyu, who showed a lot of toughness, got up but was ultimately sent back to the ground two more times in the round.
In Round 3, Murtazaliev dropped Tszyu with a counter left hand, scoring him his fourth knockdown in less than three rounds. Eventually and thankfully, Tszyu’s corner threw in the towel, ending the fight with 1:55 into the round.
“When I landed that first big shot, I knew how hard it was,” said Murtazaliev. “Tszyu is a real warrior, and I hope one day we can work together, spar, and help each other grow.”
To his credit, Tszyu, who lost his WBO title when he fell to Sebastian Fundora by split decision in his last fight, made no excuses after this loss to Murtazaliev.
“Every time I step into the ring, leave it all there,” Tszyu said. “Things didn’t go to plan and the better man won tonight. No excuses. After the first shot, things started not going according to plan. That’s part of boxing; you get hit, and reactions get slower. Bakhram is the man at 154.”
Tszyu had many possibilities if he had defeated Murtazaliev, but now it’s back to the drawing board for the former champion. He may need to step down in competition to get right. Regarding Murtazaliev, there are a lot of possibilities for him, and he should get them moving forward. He’s a real player at 154 pounds.
Photo: Joseph Correa/Premier Boxing Champions
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