Murtazaliev Stops Tszyu After Four Knockdowns
Murtazaliev stopped Tim Tszyu in the third round on Oct. 19, 2024, after scoring four knockdowns. Tszyu later returned to winning form and defeated Errol Spence Jr. by unanimous decision in July 2026.
Tim Tszyu’s challenge for Bakhram Murtazaliev’s IBF super-welterweight title ended in a one-sided stoppage at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. Murtazaliev knocked Tszyu down four times before Tszyu’s corner stopped the fight at 1:55 of round three.
Four knockdowns in three rounds
Murtazaliev dropped Tszyu three times in the second round, then sent him down again in the third. Tszyu got back up each time, but the champion continued landing heavy shots. Tszyu’s corner threw in the towel, ending the contest and allowing Murtazaliev to retain his title. The Premier Boxing Champions report recorded the official result and stoppage time.
A difficult stretch for Tszyu
The loss followed Tszyu’s split-decision defeat to Sebastian Fundora in March 2024, which had ended his unbeaten professional record. In Orlando, Murtazaliev added a second straight loss for Tszyu and claimed the biggest win of his title reign. Tszyu later returned to the win column; in July 2026, he beat former unified champion Errol Spence Jr. by unanimous decision in Sydney, according to PBC’s event report.
Murtazaliev’s title statement
For Murtazaliev, the victory was a successful defense of the IBF belt and a major step into the spotlight at 154 pounds. For Tszyu, it was a punishing setback in a division where he had previously held a world title. The fourth knockdown brought the bout to an end, but the result did not end Tszyu’s career: his later wins, including the Spence decision, marked a recovery from the defeats that followed his first loss.
Sources
Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
