On The Watch “It’s All About Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Josh Kelly”

IBF Junior Middleweight Challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event at the Newcastle Arena in Newcastle, England, between the boogeyman of the Division, IBF Junior Welterweight Champion Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-1, 17 Kos) and challenger Josh Kelly (18-1, 9 Kos) was an interesting bout that drew a surprising outcome when the final bell rang.

Josh came in this bout quite confident knowing he was entering that squared circle with one of the most avoided Champions in the Division. Josh stayed true to himself and executed a near perfect “game plan” that had Bakhram frustrated for most of the duration of the bout.

Josh’s speed, footwork and precise punch selection kept Bakhram unsettled and unable to administer his own usual destructive punches due to Josh being so elusive round by round.

Surprisingly, it was Bakhram who suffered his first knock down of the night when he got caught by Josh with a strong jab that cost him a standing 8 count but quickly got back up to his feet showing no signs of being hurt.

Bakhram tried desperately to press the action but lacked the speed or the right “game plan” to cut off the ring and trap Josh when the opportunity presented itself.

Josh did his best to stay disciplined and kept his feet moving at all time but eventually got caught with a short but powerful left hand that dropped him to a standing 8 count in the ninth round. From this point on Josh survived the round and played keep away for the remainder of the bout doing his best to avoid any further slip ups.

After 12 rounds of actions, the Judges at hand scored it 115-111, 114-113 and 113-113, giving the majority decision to Josh Kelly.

Josh impressed me with this one. I didn’t think he could stand 12 rounds with Bakhram but tonight he definitely proved me wrong and for that I tip my “B” hat to you.

With this convincing win Josh you have now added your name to the United Kingdom active male Champions by claiming the IBF Junior Middleweight Title. Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Tim Tszyu”

IBF Junior Middleweight Showdown

Last night’s PBC/Amazon Prime Video Main Event between IBF Junior Middleweight Champion Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 Kos) and challenger, former WBO Champion Tim Tszyu (24-2, 17 Kos) brought the house to its feet with a surprising outcome that unraveled at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

The 154-Pound Division received another shake up last night by the way Murtazaliev completely outclassed and demolished the favorite and highly ranked Tszyu within 3 rounds. Quite a few people in the boxing community considered Murtazaliev the weakest link within the Champions but on this night, he put the 154-Pound Division on notice by stopping Tszyu dead on his feet.

To simply put it, Murtazaliev was too strong and accurate to content with. Murtazaliev put them paws on Tszyu early and dropped him with a deadly combination in the second round that to me Tszyu never really recovered from after the standing 8 count. Tszyu proceeded to stand his ground but eventually got clipped again for the second time and got back up to another standing 8 count. He looked shaky on them legs and eventually was dropped again for the third time nearing the end of the second round.

Entering the third round Tszyu looked lost, confused but still game to go toe-to-toe which led to a further inevitable devastating knockdown by a counter left hook that sat him down for the fourth time on the night to another standing 8 count that saw Tszyu rise up to his feet only to get pummelled by an onslaught of unanswered punches prompting Tszyu’s corner to throw in the towel to formally stop the fight.

This was a statement bout that literally shook the 154-Pound Division. The battle for the No. 1 Spot in the Division is looking more and more intriguing where Bakhram Murtazaliev who retained his IBF Junior Middleweight Title has officially entered his name into the conversation. Real Talk!

Congratulations Champ on a very convincing win.

Blaze