Tim Tszyu’s Fight With Bakhram Murtazaliev
Tim Tszyu’s October 19, 2024 bout with Bakhram Murtazaliev offered him a chance to become a two-time world champion. He entered the Orlando contest as a former WBO super welterweight titleholder; Murtazaliev was the undefeated IBF champion.
A family legacy
Tszyu is the son of former undisputed junior welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu, but Tim built his own professional record and title résumé. At the time of this fight, he was 24-1 with 17 knockouts. The bout was an opportunity to win a second major world title, not a guarantee of matching his father’s achievements.
The challenge
Murtazaliev entered at 22-0 with 16 knockouts after stopping Jack Culcay to win the vacant IBF belt. The Russian champion was making his first defense. His size and power were clear challenges, but claims about a likely tactical outcome were speculation before the bell.
Result
Murtazaliev dropped Tszyu four times and stopped him in the third round, retaining the IBF title. PBC’s event page has the official result and highlights.
The family comparison adds context, but it does not decide the contest. Tszyu arrived with his own record and a prior world title, while Murtazaliev brought the active IBF championship. Four knockdowns ended the fight in round three, leaving Tszyu with a second professional loss and Murtazaliev still holding the belt.
Sources
Tags: Boxing