Just a few months ago, Bakhram Murtazaliev emerged victorious, becoming the IBF junior middleweight champion. With an impressive record of 23 wins (17 by knockout) and no losses, his ambition is soaring higher than ever. The big question now is: what’s next for this emerging champion? His trainer, Roma Kalataryan, has indicated that Murtazaliev is targeting a unification bout against either the winner of the anticipated Errol Spence versus Sebastian Fundora clash or the renowned Terence Crawford. This critical step could define Murtazaliev’s career trajectory.
Murtazaliev is driven by one overarching goal; he seeks to unify the junior middleweight titles. Trainer Roma Kalataryan revealed that Murtazaliev’s top preference for his next matchup is against the victor of the Spence-Fundora fight. Murtazaliev is prepared to wait until 2024 for this opportunity, showcasing his patience and determination. The priority is clear: gather all the belts available before even considering stepping up to the middleweight division. This strategy, while commendable, also presents certain challenges.
Kalatarayan pointed out that landing a fight with Terence Crawford may be more complex than it appears. The financial dynamics of boxing indicate that Crawford may not see sufficient value in facing a lesser-known opponent like Murtazaliev; hence, they might bypass such a matchup in favor of higher-profile bouts. Moreover, there’s speculation that if Spence emerges victorious, he might be more inclined to pursue a rematch with Crawford, rather than put his title and legacy on the line against Murtazaliev.
The boxing world is rife with analyses and predictions about Murtazaliev’s next move. While many see a fight with Fundora as the most viable option, even this potential matchup carries hurdles. Fundora has the opportunity to pursue bigger financial bouts, making him hesitant to engage in a risky fight with Murtazaliev. Despite Murtazaliev’s exceptional skills and his championship title, he may find himself in a precarious position, with champions opting for ‘safer’ bouts.
Kalatarayan emphasizes that Murtazaliev isn’t interested in easy matches; he intends to face the best in the sport. Waiting for a fight to materialize is understandable from a strategy standpoint, but Murtazaliev must also consider that time may not be on his side. At 31 years old, urgency should become a factor. Should unification fights prove elusive, Murtazaliev may need to reevaluate his path and contemplate moving up to middleweight to secure opportunities.
If Murtazaliev is unable to secure the unification bout he desires, taking the step to challenge for titles at 160 pounds could be an appealing alternative. Kalataryan mentions a desire to challenge the WBA middleweight champion, Erislandy Lara. However, as enticing as this may sound on the surface, stepping into the middleweight division could lead to similar challenges. Despite the lack of household names at this weight class, Murtazaliev would still face the difficulty of being viewed as a high-risk, low-reward match for many champions.
A move up to the middleweight division could also serve as a double-edged sword. While it might open new doors, it could also result in similar obstacles where opponents are keen to avoid facing a formidable contender. The double-layered complexity surrounding Murtazaliev’s next move delineates the challenging nature of boxing negotiations, particularly when you consider politics among promotions, established champions, and the economic ramifications of fights.
With all these factors at play, the coming months will be pivotal for Bakhram Murtazaliev. Ideally, he will secure a high-profile unification fight that can catapult him to greater recognition and legacy in the ring. However, if potential matches remain elusive, pursuing a fight in the middleweight division could be a necessary pivot.
Ultimately, the decisions made in the next few months could define not only Murtazaliev’s career trajectory but also enhance or hinder the broader landscape of the boxing division as he navigates the complexities of fame, fortune, and titles. Murtazaliev and Kalataryan stand at a crossroads, and how they maneuver through these treacherous waters will test their resolve and strategic acumen in the high-stakes world of professional boxing.