Tim Tszyu vs. Bakhram Murtazaliev Undercard has ten fights for the Caribe Royale Resort this Saturday, October 19th, in Orlando, Florida. There’s a lot for fans to watch for this card that will be shown on 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 well-known Tszyu and putting himself in position for bigger fights. Beating Tszyu may not necessarily open the door for Murtazaliev to fight Terence Crawford or Errol Spence, but it will keep him on track for unification matches.
Murtazaliev’s power and combination punching may prove to be too much for Tszyu, who hasn’t come up against anyone like this during his eight-year career.
The former WBO junior middleweight champion Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) is returning after losing to Sebastian Fundora by a 12-round split decision on March 30th. Tszyu didn’t look great losing to the 6’6″ Fundora.
The cut Tszyu sustained in the second round played a part in his defeat, but it wasn’t the whole reason. He couldn’t deal with the height, reach, high volume, and youth of Fundora.
Tszyu-Murtazaliev Undercard
Cesar Mateo Tapia vs. Endry Saavedra
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. Marco Delcado
Gary Antonio Russell vs. Jaden Burnias
Jocksan Blanco vs. Angel IIarrazo
Roberto Raul Rivera Gomez vs. Jenn Gonzalez
Michael Garcia vs. Carlos Aguillera Martinez
“He doesn’t have that profile and push back like Tszyu did when he got here [to the U.S]. Murtazaliev is still looking to generate that curiosity. That’s why people are overlooking Murtazaliev,” said Paulie Malignaggi to Probox TV. “He’s a solid fighter, and he’s gotten himself some good wins.
Murtazaliev, 31, will increase his name recognition worldwide, especially in the U.S., if he defeats Tszyu and looks good doing it.
“The Culcay win is low-key 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’s got the IBF title. So, he’s fighting Tszyu, who gives him a bit of a profile if he wins the fight.
“Obviously, it’s looked at as a comeback fight for Tszyu after the Fundora fight and going right into the title fight. That in itself shows the push behind Tszyu as well. It’s two very good fighters. It’s not a walkover, even though one may be more well-known than the other.
“One may have a bigger profile than the other, but it’s a fight where the winner will raise their profile tremendously. If it’s Tszyu, he’s back in the win column and back in the mix,” said Malignaggi.
❤️ @KostyaTszyu showed up just in time to surprise @Tim_Tszyu ahead of the #MurtazalievTszyu fight week festivities. pic.twitter.com/kLDoACqQe7
— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) October 17, 2024
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