Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs), the reigning IBF Junior Middleweight Champion, has expressed interest in moving up to 160 pounds to challenge Erislandy Lara for the WBA middleweight title. However, despite the appeal of the potential bout, it remains uncertain whether Lara, or other top fighters, will be willing to face the dangerous contender.
Murtazaliev, who has been largely sidelined in the 154-pound division, finds himself in a situation where the top fighters are either unavailable or unwilling to face him. With Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño both engaged in their own rivalries and obligations at 154 pounds, Murtazaliev’s options seem limited in his current weight class.
The Risk Factor
Murtazaliev’s reputation for knockout power was solidified when he knocked out former WBO Champion Tim Tszyu in the third round of their fight on October 19th. That victory was a statement win, but it may have unintentionally made Murtazaliev a less attractive opponent for many contenders. His performance left a strong impression, but it might have also made potential challengers think twice about stepping into the ring with him.
Despite his strong showing at 154 pounds, Murtazaliev’s move to middleweight may not be an easier path. The 41-year-old Lara (31-3-3, 19 KOs) has not faced a high-level opponent since his loss to Jarrett Hurd in 2018, instead opting for fights with lower-tier competitors. This includes opponents such as Danny Garcia, Michael Zerafa, and Gary O’Sullivan.
For Murtazaliev, facing Lara may be his best option, but Lara’s reluctance to challenge dangerous fighters, combined with his preference for easier bouts, casts doubt on whether the fight will happen.
The Challenge of Staying Relevant
Murtazaliev has faced years of stagnation, with limited opportunities despite his undefeated record. His career trajectory suffered because he lacked association with major promotional companies, which led the wider boxing community to overlook him. However, the recent victory over Tszyu has put him back on the map, even though his lack of connections still hampers his progress.
Even with the possibility of defending his IBF title for an extended period without facing serious competition, Murtazaliev risks not reaching the financial rewards that come with fighting more prominent names. As he continues to chase bigger fights, his management will need to find ways to secure those opportunities, whether by leveraging connections or appealing to boxing powerhouses like Eddie Hearn or Top Rank.
The Cost of Being a Threat
Murtazaliev’s skillset may be one of the factors preventing him from securing big-name matchups. Sometimes, being too dangerous can hurt a fighter’s ability to land high-profile bouts, and this dynamic has often plagued Murtazaliev’s undefeated career. His record and reputation for power have made him a fighter that others might prefer to avoid, despite his clear talent.
As Murtazaliev looks to take the next step in his career, the potential fight with Lara could be a key moment. However, for now, it’s unclear whether the fight will come to fruition, and whether Murtazaliev will ever be given the chance to show the boxing world what he’s capable of on a bigger stage.
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