Tim Tszyu Vs. Bakhram Murtazaliev Odds, Records, Prediction

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 30: WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu (L) connects with a punch ... [+] on Sebastian Fundora during the ninth round of a title fight at T-Mobile Arena on March 30, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fundora won Tszyu's title and a vacant WBC title by split decision. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

The last time we saw Tim Tszyu in the ring, he was a bloody mess while en route to losing his undefeated record and his 154-pound belt. Seven months later, though, he’s got a chance to win another junior middleweight world title vs. the tough Bakhram Murtazaliev who’s looking for the biggest victory of his own career. Here’s everything you need to know about Tim Tszyu vs. Bakhram Murtazaliev, including the odds, their records and a prediction on who will win.

Last March, Tszyu, defending his 154-pound belt and looked dominant in the first few rounds against Sebastian Fundora. But Fundora’s elbow unintentionally caused an enormous gash on Tszyu’s forehand, and almost immediately, his face was covered with blood.

Though there was still time to call off the fight before the end of the fourth round because of the cut (it would have been ruled a no contest in that case), Tszyu continued to fight. It was clear, though, that he was badly affected by the gash. Both fighters showed tremendous courage by continuing the bout, but partially because of Tszyu’s impaired vision, Fundora ended up pulling out the victory to take Tszyu’s title. Now, a healed Tszyu prepares for another tough opponent.

“My cut from my last fight feels good now. It’s in the shape of a ‘V,’ so I’m saying it’s ‘V for vengeance,’” Tszyu said. “Could’ve, would’ve, should’ve, my last fight is all in the past. I just have to move on and look for answers another way. The biggest lesson I learned from the Fundora fight was to focus on the present.”

Tszyu is familiar with Murtazaliev. The two fought on the same card in 2022 when Tszyu overcame a first-round knockdown to beat Terrell Gausha in the main event and Murtazaliev knocked out Ahmad Cheikho on the undercard. Tszyu remembers Murtazaliev’s height (he’s about four inches taller than Tszyu) and that they gave each other a look in the buildup to fight night where they recognized they might eventually face each other.

“We gave each other a little eye-to-eye, like we knew we’d see each other down the road,” Tszyu said. “ … Murtazaliev is a dog. That always presents a tremendous task. He’s strong and he’s got a competitive edge. I’m looking forward to fighting someone like that.”

Murtazaliev feels the same way.

“The best part of fighting Tim Tszyu is that he won’t run,” he said. “He is coming to fight. I love fighting in the center of the ring. It’s going to be a great fight for the fans to watch on Saturday night.”

Here’s more info on the Tim Tszyu vs. Bakhram Murtazaliev showdown that U.S. viewers can watch on Amazon Prime Video beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday.

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 3: (MANDATORY CREDIT Bill Tompkins/Getty Images) Bakhram Murtazaliev defeats ... [+] Kenneth McNeil by TKO in the 5th round during their Super Welterweight fight at Madison Square Garden on March 3, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Bill Tompkins/Getty Images)

Tszyu is the solid betting favorite at -700 (bet $700 to win $100), while Murtazaliev is the +450 underdog (win $450 on a $100 wager). I think there’s some value in taking Murtazaliev’s money line (this fight feels more like Tszyu should be -500 and Murtazaliev should be +350). But if you like Tszyu, taking him to win by decision at +187 could be a good play.

Despite his loss to Fundora seven months ago, Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) has plenty of solid victories on his resume, including stoppages of former world titlists Tony Harrison and Jeff Horn and decisions against Terrell Gausha and Brian Mendoza.

Murtazaliev (22-0, 16 KOs) won his world title by knocking out Jack Culcay in April, but otherwise, his level of opposition has been rather thin. He’s also only fought once since 2022, and you have to wonder how much rustier he’ll be than Tszyu, who’s fought four times in the past 19 months.

It’ll be fascinating to see how Tszyu responds coming off his first loss (even if it was a tad unfair because of the cut). Murtazaliev has a good record, but he’s never faced anybody as good as Tszyu. Tszyu will build an early lead, maybe hurt Murtazaliev a few times and cruise to a decision victory. Say somewhere in the 117-111 range.