Bakhram Murtazaliev recorded the biggest victory of his career with a savage, three-round stoppage of former WBO super welterweight champion Tim Tszyu in Orlando, Florida.
The Australian hit the canvas three times in round two and once again in the third before his team threw in the towel, seeing Murtazaliev retain his IBF title at 154-pounds.
Murtazaliev’s left hook was the money-maker, repeatedly beating Tszyu to the punch as the pair traded blows at close range.
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Tszyu, who was fighting in front of his legendary father Kostya for the first time since his 2016 professional debut, paid tribute to Murtazaliev and offered no excuses.
“Things didn’t go to plan, the better man won tonight, no excuses right there,” Tszyu said.
“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 may regret charging head first back into the fire after the first knockdown, rather than taking stock and attempting to work his way back into the contest.
It’s the second straight loss for the 29-year-old Sydneysider, who went down via split decision to Sebastian Fundora back in March.
For Murtazaliev, it was a spectacular coming out party against a high-profile opponent which paves the way for more big fights with the other champions in the division, Fundora and Terence Crawford.
“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,” Murtazaliev said of Tszyu post-fight, via interpreter.
“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.”
The victory sees Murtazaliev moves to 23-0, with 17 knockouts, while Tszyu slips to 24-2.
In the co-main event, 154-pound prospect Yoenis Tellez made the most of his spot on a big show, stopping Johan Gonzalez in the seventh round.
Tellez had his full bag of tricks on display, battering the Gonzalez body with hooks before dropping him with powerful right hands, once in the sixth and again in the seventh on the way to the finish.
Earlier, middleweights Mateo Tapia and Endry Saavedra put on a fight of the year contender as they shared the points following a 10-round war.
Sydney’s Tapia found himself on the canvas three times, while Saavedra hit the mat on one occasion as both men enjoyed periods of success in a highly entertaining bout.
In the end, two judges had it 93-93, while a third edged it for 94-92 for Tapia.
Both men confirmed they’d be keen to run it back and you won’t find many fans unhappy at the thought of watching a rematch.
Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Tim Tszyu results
- Bakhram Murtazaliev (c) def. Tim Tszyu via TKO3
- Yoenis Tellez def. Johan Gonzalez via TKO7
- Mateo Tapia draws Endry Saavedra via MD10 (93-93 x2, 94-92 Tapia)
Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Tim Tszyu start time
- Date: Saturday, October 19 (Sunday, October 20 in Australia)
- Time: 8 p.m. ET | 11 a.m. AEDT
- Main event start time (approx.): 10:00 p.m. ET | 1:00 p.m. AEDT
- Location: Caribe Royale Resort — Orlando, Florida
Where to watch Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Tim Tszyu
In the U.S.:
- Channel/live stream: Prime Video
- Prime Video: $8.99/month | Ad-free $11.98/month
- Prime Video with Prime membership: $14.99/month | Ad-free $17.98/month | $139/year
Murtazaliev vs. Tszyu is available on Prime Video in the U.S. Prime Video is available for existing Prime customers and those new to the platform. Subscribers can choose from multiple membership plans with discounts available for students. You can also enjoy a free 30-day trial before buying the product.
WATCH: Murtazaliev vs. Tszyu on Prime Video
In Australia:
- Channel/live stream: Kayo
- Price: $69.95
Tszyu vs. Murtazaliev is available on Kayo in Australia, with no subscription needed. The PPV price is $69.95.
WATCH: Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Tim Tszyu on Kayo