Murtazaliev Stops Tszyu, Drops Him Four Times To Defend IBF Title
Bakhram Murtazaliev dropped Tim Tszyu four times to secure a third-round TKO and defend his IBF Junior Middleweight Title.
The opening round produced much action. Tszyu got Murtazaliev’s attention with a left hook that made the champion wary. However, Murtazaliev replied with a solid right hand in a competitive first. But Murtazaliev was the more aggressive fighter, going after the Australian He connected with a left hook in the second round, which caught Tszyu unaware as he hit the deck. The Australian got back up but found himself on the floor once again in the same round. It was the same left hook that landed, which meant it was the first time Tszyu was dropped twice in the same fight.
Tszyu Gets Stopped
Tszyu was now in survival mode. He landed some right hands to push Murtazaliev back. But that is exactly what the champion was looking for as it left the Australian wide open. Murtazaliev landed a right hand of his own to drop Tszyu for the third time in the second round. While Tszyu made it out of the round, the writing was on the wall. Murtazaliev landed another left hook in the fourth. This time, Tszyu’s corner threw in the towel as he tried desperately to get up, and the referee stopped the fight.
The result meant Murtazaliev extended his undefeated record to 23-0, while Tszyu suffered his second consecutive loss following his defeat to Sebastian Fundora. Murtazaliev is now in a position to unify against Fundora or Terence Crawford. The result leaves serious question marks over Tszyu’s future. He had already suffered extensive damage against Fundora in his last fight. The Australian suffered a cut over his hairline, which continued to bleed after he had dominated the earlier parts of the bout.
His corner decided to continue with the fight as Fundora won by a split decision. In his post-fight comments, Tszyu admitted that his vision had been compromised. He then delayed his comeback as he pulled out of his August fight with Virgil Ortiz Jr. He revealed that the cut had not healed in time. The fact that Murtazaliev beat him so comprehensively may have been due to him subconsciously targeting that area. It was also the first time that Tszyu had fought since that cut. Before the fight, Tszyu was targeting big bouts against Spence and Crawford. But now he has lost two title fights in a row.
Post-Fight
“When I landed that first shot, I felt how hard it was and everybody can be jealous of his will and what kind of warrior he is. I would like to wish him all the best and one day I hope we can work together, he can come to our gym and we can exchange our experiences and help each other to grow,” Murtazaliev stated
“Things didn’t go to plan, the better man won tonight, no excuses right there. He just was that bit better, I tried my best and these things happen. Boxing’s not meant to be perfect. You live and you learn, right? The victory belongs to Bakhram tonight,” Tszyu
Card
Bakhram Murtazaliev defeated Tim Tszyu by TKO in round three (IBF junior middleweight title).
Yoenis Tellez beat Johan Gonzalez by TKO in round seven (super welterweight).
Cesar Mateo Tapia and Endry Saavedra fought to a majority draw 94-92, 93-93,93-93 (middleweight).
Gary Antonio Russell knocked out Jaden Burnias in round four (super bantamweight).
Dainier Pero knocked out Willie Jake Jr. in round three (heavyweight).
Justin Viloria defeated Diuhl Olguin by TKO in round seven (super featherweight).
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