Pick It: Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Tim Tszyu
When to Watch: Saturday, October 19 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (1 a.m. BST)
How to watch: Amazon’s Prime Video
Why to Watch: The junior middleweight division is evolving, packed with formidable contenders. The outcome of this fight will significantly ripple through the rankings, impacting the paths of both fighters.
Tim Tszyu, who suffered a split decision defeat to Sebastian Fundora in March due to a severe cut from an accidental elbow, returns to the ring determined to reclaim his standing. This matchup pits him against Bakhram Murtazaliev, currently holding the IBF world title with a record of 22 wins and no losses (22-0, 16 KOs).
Murtazaliev won the IBF strap in April after knocking out Jack Culcay in the 11th round, just a week after Tszyu’s bout against Fundora. At 31, Murtazaliev has been making waves since moving from Russia to Oxnard, California, and this title win has positioned him for a major clash with Tszyu at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Florida.
A victory for Murtazaliev would further elevate his status among boxing’s elite, while Tszyu is equally eager for this opportunity. The division features heavyweights like Sebastian Fundora, who holds the WBC and WBO belts, as well as Terence Crawford (WBA title). The field is crowded with talents including Serhii Bohachuk, Israil Madrimov, Charles Conwell, Vergil Ortiz, and Errol Spence.
“We have some red-hot names and exciting matchups waiting to unfold,” Tszyu expressed in anticipation. “The potential for thrilling fights in the near future is truly exciting.”
This clash is more than just a fight; it promises high stakes and exhilarating action.
“I’m bringing the heat,” declared Tszyu, hopeful for a competitive bout without excessive bloodshed on his side. “I expect relentless action that will create lasting memories for the fans.”
As Joe Rotonda, director of operations for Main Events, stated, “This is a badass fight. Both Tszyu and Murtazaliev have shown they’re willing to go to war.”
Fight Card Highlights:
Yoenis Tellez vs. Johan Gonzalez: Tellez (8-0, 6 KOs), a promising junior middleweight from Cuba, has recently showcased his power against tougher opponents. Gonzalez (35-3, 34 KOs), now based in Las Vegas, aims for redemption after some challenging outings.
Cesar Mateo Tapia vs. Endry Saavedra: Tapia (17-0, 10 KOs), a Mexican middleweight prospect, looks to maintain his unbeaten record against Saavedra (16-1, 13 KOs), a Venezuelan fighter with a recent surge in form.
More Noteworthy Fights to Watch:
Wednesday, October 16: Chris Colbert vs. Omar Salcido (ProBoxTV.com)
Broadcast at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (1 a.m. BST).
Colbert seeks to bounce back after a tumultuous series of fights, facing Salcido, who comes in with a solid record of 19-1 (13 KOs).
Thursday, October 17: Alexandre Gaumont vs. Cristian Zarate (ESPN+)
Broadcast at 6 p.m. Eastern Time (11 p.m. BST).
Gaumont (11-0, 7 KOs) will perform in his hometown, aiming to extend his unbeaten streak against Zarate (10-4, 3 KOs) from Buenos Aires.
Friday, October 18: Joshua James Pagan vs. Haskell Rhodes (DAZN)
Broadcast starts at 9 p.m. Eastern Time (2 a.m. BST).
Pagan (10-0, 4 KOs) faces Rhodes (31-6-1, 16 KOs) in Puerto Rico, as he moves up in competitive stakes.
Sam Gilley vs. Jack McGann (TNT Sports 3)
Broadcast at 7 p.m. BST.
Gilley (17-1, 8 KOs) takes on McGann (10-1-1, 7 KOs) in a rematch, as both look to solidify their standings.
Saturday, October 19: Adam Azim vs. Ohara Davies (Peacock, Sky Sports)
Broadcast at 2 p.m. Eastern Time (7 p.m. BST).
This match carries significant implications for both fighters’ futures in the sport.
William Scull vs. Vladimir Shishkin (TBD)
Aiming for the vacant IBF super middleweight title, Scull (22-0, 9 KOs) faces Shishkin (12-1, 7 KOs).
Bohdan Sobol vs. Lucas Brian Ariel Bastida (DAZN)
Broadcast at noon Eastern Time (5 p.m. BST).
Sobol (18-0, 8 KOs) seeks to extend his unbeaten record against Bastida (21-3-1, 12 KOs).
Zaur Abdullaev vs. Juan Javier Carrasco (TyC Sports)
Broadcast at 6 p.m. Eastern Time (11 p.m. BST).
Abdullaev (19-1, 11 KOs) looks to maintain his winning streak against Carrasco (20-1, 12 KOs).
Eric Hernandez vs. Dewayne Zeigler (ProBoxTV.com)
Broadcast at 7 p.m. Eastern Time (midnight BST).
Hernandez (11-1, 5 KOs) faces Zeigler (11-1-1, 5 KOs) in what promises to be an interesting return to the ring for both fighters.
For insightful boxing commentary, follow David Greisman on Twitter @FightingWords2. His latest book, “Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing,” is available on Amazon.
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