THIS is a potentially tasty affair in Orlando as Bakhram Murtazaliev defends his IBF super-welterweight title against Tim Tszyu. The champion was in line to fight Jermell Charlo but failed to call on his position, instead opting to step aside and allow Charlo to unify with Brian Castano.
Critical of that decision, Tszyu says he would never have allowed an opportunity to pass him by. The size dimensions are interesting here. Both men can punch. Tszyu would be used to fighting bigger men, considering he arrives off the back of a loss to Sebastian Fundora. Murtazaliev is tall, strong and rangy. Who holds the edge in this 154-pound headliner? Here’s a rundown of the vital statistics.
Bakhram Murtazaliev Tale of the Tape
Nickname: N/A
From: Grozny Russia, now based in California, USA
Age: 31
Height: 6’0”
Reach: 72”
Total fights: 22
Total wins: 22
Losses: 0
KO: 16 (73%)
Rounds: 101
Notable opponents: Jack Culcay.
Instagram followers: 40,000
Tim Tszyu Tale of the Tape
Nickname: Soul Taker
From: Sydney, Australia
Age: 29
Height: 5’8 ½”
Reach: 70 ½”
Total fights: 25
Total wins: 24
Losses: 1
KO: 17 (71%)
Rounds: 141
Notable opponents: Sebastian Fundora, Tony Harrison.
Instagram followers: 275,000
Tszyu lost last time out in a gruelling encounter to Sebastian Fundora (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
