Achieving world championship status is a significant milestone in boxing. For Bakhram Murtazaliev, securing the IBF Super-Welterweight title in 2024 was just the beginning. His subsequent performances quickly established him not merely as a champion, but as a seemingly formidable one. Yet, this very dominance appears to be presenting an unexpected professional hurdle: a distinct lack of willing opponents.
Murtazaliev, maintaining an undefeated record of 23 wins with 17 knockouts, initially claimed the vacant IBF belt against Jack Culcay in April. This followed Jermell Charlo`s decision to relinquish the title. The bout was a challenging affair, testing Murtazaliev over eleven rounds before his persistent pressure led to a stoppage victory. Coming shortly after the Ramadan period, and under considerable expectation, the performance suggested a competitive champion, perhaps one ripe for a challenge from the division`s established names.
The opportunity for a significant defense arrived against Tim Tszyu, a highly-regarded former titleholder. Entering the ring against Murtazaliev, Tszyu was widely considered the favorite. However, what transpired was a stark demonstration of Murtazaliev`s power and precision. In a remarkably swift and decisive performance, Murtazaliev floored Tszyu four times in just three rounds, ending the contest emphatically and dramatically shifting perceptions within the super-welterweight landscape.
Speaking on the current state of affairs, Murtazaliev acknowledges the dual nature of his recent success. While the dominant win against Tszyu has undoubtedly enhanced his reputation, it has simultaneously complicated the business of securing further fights. “It`s good for my career reputationally,” he notes, “but practically, it makes getting fights difficult. People are hesitant to risk a loss against me now.” He contrasts this with the period immediately following his title win against Culcay, where, in his view, his performance under taxing circumstances led many to believe he was more accessible, thus generating interest from potential challengers. After the Tszyu fight, he observes, “suddenly, that interest dissipated.”
Recent reports have linked Murtazaliev with a potential defense against British fighter Josh Kelly, possibly on a high-profile undercard. However, Murtazaliev offers a blunt assessment of these reports and the negotiation process. He characterizes Kelly`s team as “jokes,” expressing frustration that discussions initiated by their side seem to halt as soon as he signals his agreement to the proposed terms. “They call us out, we say `yes,` and then they disappear,” he states, emphasizing his team`s readiness to accept terms, only for communication to cease from the other side. He speculates that this hesitation might stem from apprehension or a desire simply to generate publicity rather than genuinely pursuing the fight.
Murtazaliev asserts that his team has been amenable to all proposals, lamenting the situation where agreeing to fight paradoxically seems to make opponents withdraw. He points out that a fight of this magnitude could viably take place in numerous global locations, implying that venue is not a legitimate barrier if the will to fight exists. “We`ve done our part,” he explains regarding the negotiation standstill. “We said `yes` to everything requested. The ball is not in our court.”
For the time being, the IBF champion remains in a state of readiness, waiting for a willing competitor to emerge at 154 pounds. He maintains that his training includes staying in “before camp ready” condition, ensuring a swift return to full fight preparation should a short-notice opportunity arise. While his immediate focus remains on defending his title and potentially pursuing unification bouts within the super-welterweight division, Murtazaliev is also considering future options. Should major challenges at 154 lbs prove persistently elusive, he indicates a willingness to move up to the middleweight division at 160 lbs in pursuit of significant fights and multi-divisional accolades. “I want to see what opportunities arise here [at 154 lbs] first,” he concludes, “but if the big fights aren`t there, moving up is a clear path.”
Thus, the paradox persists: Bakhram Murtazaliev, having established himself through decisive victories, now finds his biggest challenge might be simply securing the next bout, patiently awaiting a contender willing to step into the ring with the champion few seem eager to face.
