Philippines, 25 Mar 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Tszyu vs. Murtazaliev: Junior Middleweight Division Reboot Version 2.0


PhilBoxing.com





This Saturday night Tim Tszyu showcases his skills on the first installment of a PBC non-PPV card streaming live on Amazon. Jay Z has a song that begins with the lines, “Please allow me to reintroduce myself”. Definitely a fitting line given his last time out Tim took the first loss in the professional ranks via split-decision to Sebastian Fundora. Obviously the outcome can be debated to an extent due to a nasty gash on Tim’s forehead. His corner could’ve decided to not continue after Fundora’s elbow caused the cut. Clearly the bloody mess played a part yet you haven’t heard a bunch of complaining or excuses coming out of Tim’s mouth.

His opponent is Bakhram Murtazaliev, a boxer who’s been taking step aside checks buying his time in remaining in pole position in the alphabet rankings. Bakhram’s best victory came over a faded Jack Culcay. Much different than stepping in the ring with a prime Tim Tszyu. Bakhram was in no hurry to enforce his mandatory for Jermell Charlo but the ABC belt finally came free when the former 154-pound champ vacated the trinket ahead of a purse bid.

Tim Tszyu was scheduled to fight on the first PBC on Amazon card against Keith Thurman. Often on the sidelines due to injury, that’s exactly what happened to Thurman once again in the run up. In walked ‘The Towering Inferno’ as a late substitution. Early on it appeared Tim was getting the better of Fundora, but no one will every truly know how that matchup would’ve played if Tim wasn’t cut. Putting on my promoter’s cap, one could see a potential rematch coming to fruition.

In fact the junior middleweight is reloaded and in the coming years boxing fans should get more thrilling bouts and upsets. The spark that lit the weight class was a 154-pound tripleheader featuring the Charlo bros and Erislandy Lara back in 2016. Ever since then we saw the organic dramatics unfold filled with surprises, rematches, and ultimately an undisputed king was crowed.

Say what you want about the leaked recording of Jermell Charlo which was disgusting to say the least. Also, criticize Charlo about his non-effort versus Canelo moving all the way up to super middleweight. Strip all his belts. One thing you can’t deny is Jermell’s lineal status. He may be beltless but no one beat him in the ring. As previously mentioned, we’re on the cusp on the 2.0 version for an unofficial tourney of sorts at 154.

If as expected Tim comes through this Saturday a date in a round 2 with Fundora could be on the docket. One of the best boxers in the sport Terrence Crawford moved up to the weight in his most recent bout. Truth be told Bud is looking for big names so maybe that fight with Fundora never happens. That said he did just fight a quality yet non-descript name in Israil Madrimov. A strong rumor has been floating around about an Errol Spence vs. Sebastian Fundora early next year in Texas. All of sudden Spence isn’t in the WBO rankings and to keep that belt Fundora is forced to take on someone in their top-15. Of course Spence is ranked in WBC so that wouldn’t really prevent the fight from happening.

Other names like Vergil Ortiz Jr., Charles Conwell, Serhii Bohachuk, Jesus Ramos Jr., along with multiple boxers who could move up from welterweight. Now that Saudi boxing has shown some interest in the division it only helps making the fights. For example Bohachuk vs. Madrimov being on the Usyk vs. Fury 2 undercard.

Saturday’s main event is a necessary step for Tim Tszyu to get back on the ladder he was climbing at 154. Not to say his fight with Bakhram will be in easy stroll in the park. Given Tim’s style he tends to take some punches as he works his way inside. After a handful of semi-competitive frames look for Tim to work the body and head eventually wearing Murtaziev down. Then it’s on to bigger and better things in 2025 and beyond at junior middleweight.

My Official Prediction is Tim Tszyu by late stoppage.

PODCAST LINK: http://tobtr.com/12377171

Side Note: DAZN picked up what should be a 2-way bout between Vladimir Shishkin and William Scull. My Pick is Shishkin by Split-Decision.

In other action on Peacock Azim vs. Davies, McKinson vs. Mbenge, Azeez vs Edmondson along with names like Anthony Yarde, Francesca Hennessy, and Shannon Courtenay.

Written by Chris Carlson Host/Producer of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast Available at www.blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Chris Carlson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • OKC Nips LA Clippers in Late Season Struggle; Keeps League Lead, Drops Clips to 8th
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Mon, 24 Mar 2025
  • CHUA TAKES CONTROL AT THE TOP | 2025 IFX PREMIER LEAGUE POOL
    , Mon, 24 Mar 2025
  • IIEE champ in billiard, PICE repeats in bowling and GEP draws 1700 runners in PTC WED
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 24 Mar 2025
  • Datamatics A are kings of Atty. Quirino Sagario Memorial Chess Team Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 23 Mar 2025
  • Star Frisco: Fighting with Heart, Never with Fear
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Sun, 23 Mar 2025
  • HALL OF FAME FLIES FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF FOR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION GEORGE FOREMAN
    , Sun, 23 Mar 2025
  • WORLD NINEBALL TOUR ANNOUNCES BLOCKBUSTER AUGUST SWING ACROSS AMERICA
    , Sun, 23 Mar 2025
  • Do the Oddsters Know Something We Don't?
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Sat, 22 Mar 2025
  • Sebastain Fundora Makes Long Awaited Return Headlining PBC on Amazon Prime Card
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 22 Mar 2025
  • GEORGE FOREMAN (1949–2025): THE GENTLE GIANT WHO TAUGHT US TO FIGHT WITH KINDNESS
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Sat, 22 Mar 2025
  • Top Rank's Statement on the Passing of George Foreman
    , Sat, 22 Mar 2025
  • IOC Executive Board Announces Olympic-Style Boxing Will be Included on LA28 Olympic Schedule
    , Sat, 22 Mar 2025
  • CAPITO EXTENDS HIS LEAD AS BATTLE HEATS UP | 2025 IFX PREMIER LEAGUE POOL
    , Sat, 22 Mar 2025
  • ABAP severs ties with IBA
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sat, 22 Mar 2025
  • April 5: Abdullah Mason Steps Up Against Carlos Ornelas on Richard Torrez Jr.-Guido Vianello Card at Palms Casino Resort LIVE on ESPN+
    , Sat, 22 Mar 2025
  • Weights From Atlantic City
    , Sat, 22 Mar 2025
  • KAMBOSOS JR VS. WYLLIE WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
    , Fri, 21 Mar 2025
  • Quezon City IIEE-PSME Simba’s Tribe courtesy visit to GAB Chair Rivera
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 21 Mar 2025
  • Oklahoma Takes NBA Overall Lead; Race for West Top 6, Play-in Still On
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Fri, 21 Mar 2025
  • IBA congratulates newly elected IOC President Kirsty Coventry, expresses hope for bold reforms
    , Fri, 21 Mar 2025
  • Magramo clips Cuarto, bags WBC Intl plum
    , Fri, 21 Mar 2025
  • Magramo is new WBC International light fly champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 21 Mar 2025
  • Brian Norman Jr.: “It Won’t Be a Long Fight!”
    , Fri, 21 Mar 2025
  • Jabagat to fight Diaz on March 30 at Elorde Gym
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 21 Mar 2025
  • KAMBOSOS JR VS. WYLLIE + UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
    , Thu, 20 Mar 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.