In the fiercely competitive world of junior middleweight boxing, Bakhram Murtazaliev has established himself as a formidable force. After a stunning third-round knockout victory against Tim Tszyu on October 19th, Murtazaliev not only claimed the IBF junior middleweight title but also raised eyebrows across the boxing community. With an unblemished record of 23 wins, including 17 by knockout, he now finds himself positioned among the elite fighters in the 154-pound division.
However, despite his impressive credentials, Murtazaliev’s name appears to be strangely absent from discussions among the top contenders. High-profile boxers like Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Terence Crawford have shown little interest in facing him, leaving many to question the underlying reasons for this reluctance. As discussions are underway for Ortiz Jr.’s next bout, Murtazaliev has not even been considered as a backup option, with other fighters like Xander Zayas and Erislandy Lara being presented instead.
The hesitance around Murtazaliev likely stems from the sheer dominance he showcased against Tszyu. The performance was reminiscent of a young George Foreman, who, in 1973, made quick work of his opponents, leaving them bewildered and defeated. Just as Foreman struck fear into the hearts of contenders, Murtazaliev’s clinical dismantling of Tszyu has seemingly deterred the top fighters from engaging with him.
Furthermore, the upcoming bout for Israil Madrimov, who is set to face Serghii Bohachuk on December 21st, adds another layer of uncertainty for Ortiz Jr.’s plans. Should Madrimov be unable to compete on February 22nd, why hasn’t Murtazaliev’s name surfaced as a potential replacement? This omission speaks volumes about his current status in the division. To some extent, Murtazaliev may now be viewed as an untouchable fighter, a commodity too risky for contenders keen on maintaining their own reputations and futures.
In boxing, it’s not uncommon for fighters to strategically avoid certain opponents, especially those who present high risks with potentially low rewards. For Ortiz Jr. and Crawford, opting for matchups that promise not only financial gain but also a stronger likelihood of victory is paramount. The emergence of Murtazaliev as a serious titleholder could alter the current landscape, compelling fighters to rethink their strategies. If they choose to bypass Murtazaliev, they might do so at the expense of legacy-building opportunities.
As we stand at this crossroads in the 154 lb division, the potential for intense matchups is significant, but so is the reality of avoidance. The boxing community eagerly awaits the developments in this scenario, hoping that the competitive spirit will eventually compel Ortiz Jr., Crawford, and other champions to step into the ring with Murtazaliev. Until that day arrives, his path remains intriguingly untrodden, leaving fans and analysts alike to wonder what it will take for the division’s elite to acknowledge the threat he poses.
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