Tim Tszyu vs. Bakhram Murtazaliev Undercard has ten fights for the Caribe Royale Resort this Saturday, October 19, in Orlando, Florida. There is a lot for fans to look forward to for this card that will be shown Prime Video.
(Credit: Alex Sanchez/Premier Boxing Champions)
IBF 154-lb champion Murtazaliev (22-0, 16 KOs) has the opportunity to build his profile by defeating the renowned Tszyu and put himself in position for bigger fights. Beating Tszyu might not necessarily open the door for Murtazaliev to fight Terence Crawford or Errol Spence, but it would keep him on track for unification bouts.
Murtazaliev’s power and combination striking may be too much for Tszyu, who has never faced anyone like this in his eight-year career.
Former WBO junior middleweight champion Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) returns from a 12-round split decision loss to Sebastian Fundora on March 30. Tszyu didn’t look good when he lost to the 6’6″ Fundora.
The cut Tszyu suffered in the second round played a role in his loss, but it wasn’t the whole reason. He could not handle the height, reach, high volume and youth of Fundora.
Tszyu-Murtazaliev Undercard
Cesar Mateo Tapia vs. Hello
Yoenis Tellaz vs Johan Gonzalez
Daintier Pero vs. Willie Jake Jr.
Justin Viloria vs Diuhl Olguin
Carlos Jackson vs. Ryan Lee Allen
Daniel Blancas vs. Delicate frame
Gary Antonio Russell vs Jaden Burnias
Jocksan Blanco vs. Angel IIarrazo
Roberto Raul Rivera Gomez vs. Jennifer Gonzalez
Michael Garcia vs. Carlos Aguilera Martinez
“He doesn’t have that profile and push back like Tszyu did when he got here (to the US). Murtazaliev is still searching for that curiosity. That’s why people overlook Murtazaliev,” said Paulie Malignaggi Probox TV. “He’s a solid fighter, and he’s got some good wins.
Murtazaliev, 31, will increase his name recognition worldwide, especially in the US, if he defeats Tszyu and looks good doing it.
“The Culcay win is nothing short of impressive. This (Tszyu) is the fight that if he can get the win, it’s a big moment in his career, and he can be appreciated for a win like this,” Malignaggi continued about Murtazaliev. “He has the IBF title. So, he fights Tszyu, which gives him a bit of a profile if he wins the fight.
“Obviously this is considered a comeback fight for Tszyu after the Fundora fight and straight into the title fight. That in itself also shows the pressure behind Tszyu. Those are two very good fighters. It’s not a walkover, even though one may be more famous than the other.
“One may have a higher profile than the other, but this is a battle where the winner will raise their profile enormously. If it’s Tszyu, he’s back in the win column and back in the mix,” says Malignaggi.
@KostyaTszyu arrived just in time to surprise @Tim_Tszyu before the #MurtazalievTszyu fight week festivals. pic.twitter.com/kLDoACqQe7
— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) October 17, 2024
