The Heavyweight Contender: Bakhram Murtazaliev
Bakhram Murtazaliev, the current IBF junior middleweight champion, has quickly become one of the most formidable fighters in his division. His recent third-round knockout of Tim Tszyu, a former WBO 154-lb champion, has sent ripples through the boxing world. The brutal and efficient way Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs) dismantled Tszyu in the ring has not only solidified his status as a top contender but also struck fear into the hearts of potential opponents, including Vergil Ortiz Jr. and other notable fighters. This powerful performance has made Murtazaliev a name that is not taken lightly, and it raises significant questions about the future of the junior middleweight division.
The Reluctance of a Rising Star: Vergil Ortiz Jr.
Vergil Ortiz Jr., with an impressive record of 23-0 and 21 KOs, is a rising star in the boxing world. However, his recent performances have shown some vulnerabilities. In his last two fights against Israil Madrimov and Serhii Bohachuk, Ortiz Jr. took significant punishment, and his face bore the marks of a fighter who has been through the wars. These tough contests have highlighted his limitations, especially against more experienced and powerful opponents. Ortiz Jr. has expressed his readiness to challenge any of the champions at 154 pounds, but the reality is that he may not be the top choice for many of them. His narrow victory over Madrimov and the visible damage he suffered have made promoters and other fighters wary of putting him in the ring against even more dangerous opponents like Bakhram Murtazaliev.
The Elephant in the Room: Terence Crawford and Sebastian Fundora
Terence Crawford, the WBA 154-lb champion, and Sebastian Fundora, the WBC and WBO champion, are two of the most sought-after fighters in the division. Crawford, known for his defensive skills and tactical prowess, had initially expressed interest in becoming the undisputed champion at junior middleweight. However, after Murtazaliev’s demolition of Tszyu, Crawford has been notably quiet and has instead focused on bigger fights. He is scheduled to face Canelo Alvarez on September 13th, which leaves no room for a match against Ortiz Jr. Meanwhile, Fundora, who is set to defend his title on March 22nd against Chordale Booker, has shown little interest in facing Ortiz Jr. Fundora has expressed his openness to fights against the likes of Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford, indicating that he is looking to challenge himself against top-tier opponents rather than taking on a fighter who has shown recent vulnerabilities.
Golden Boy Promotions: The Gatekeepers
Golden Boy Promotions, the company behind Vergil Ortiz Jr., plays a crucial role in his career trajectory. The decision to put Ortiz Jr. in the ring with Bakhram Murtazaliev would be a significant risk, and it is unlikely that they would give the green light for such a fight. Ortiz Jr.’s recent performances have raised concerns about his ability to handle powerful punchers like Murtazaliev, and the promotion is likely to be cautious about his next moves. Golden Boy Promotions is known for its strategic approach to fighter development, and they are unlikely to rush Ortiz Jr. into a fight that could not only end his perfect record but also put his career at risk. This cautious stance means that Ortiz Jr.’s path to a world title shot in 2025 may be more challenging than initially anticipated.
The Tactical Shift: Learning from Dmitry Bivol
For Vergil Ortiz Jr. to have a realistic chance against Bakhram Murtazaliev, he would need to undergo a significant style change. The traditional brawler’s approach that has served him well in the past is not likely to be effective against a puncher of Murtazaliev’s caliber. Instead, Ortiz Jr. could take a page from Dmitry Bivol’s playbook. Bivol, known for his exceptional ring generalship and defensive skills, often employs a strategy of running and clinching to neutralize his opponents’ power. If Ortiz Jr. can adopt a similar approach, moving around the ring and using the clinch to disrupt Murtazaliev’s rhythm, he might stand a better chance. However, even with this tactical shift, the sheer power of Murtazaliev’s punches remains a significant threat. The brutal knockout of Tim Tszyu serves as a stark reminder of what Murtazaliev is capable of, and Ortiz Jr. would need to be at the top of his game to avoid a similar fate.
The Future of Vergil Ortiz Jr.
The road ahead for Vergil Ortiz Jr. is fraught with challenges. While he has expressed his readiness to challenge for a world title, the current landscape of the junior middleweight division presents significant hurdles. With Terence Crawford and Sebastian Fundora not interested in facing him, and Golden Boy Promotions unlikely to risk a dangerous fight against Bakhram Murtazaliev, Ortiz Jr. may need to explore alternative options. He could seek out other talented but less daunting opponents to build his resume and refine his skills. Alternatively, he might need to consider a move to a different weight class where he can find more favorable matchups. Regardless of the path he chooses, it is clear that Vergil Ortiz Jr. will need to make significant adjustments to his strategy and approach if he hopes to secure a world title shot and establish himself as a top contender in the boxing world.
