It took a couple of years longer than anticipated, however Bektemir Melikuziev is lastly on the cusp of a title shot after gritting his well beyond Darius Fulghum in an entertaining and hard-fought WBA last eliminator.
Melikuziev (16-1, 10 KO) utilized his normal mixture of bouncy motion and explosive entries to set the tempo at vary, whereas Fulghum (14-1, 12 KO) stuffed the gaps between Melikuziev’s broadsides with tight, sharp combos. Melikuziev initially tried to stymie Fulghum’s infighting with constant holding, however misplaced a degree for it within the seventh.
Although Fulghum seemed to be the sharper of the 2 as they approached the championship rounds, his output steadily dwindled, presumably because of by no means going previous 10 as a professional. Melikuziev, leaking from the nostril for primarily the entire again half of the battle, stepped on the gasoline and landed a clutch knockdown within the twelfth to show a trio of tied scorecards into matching 114-112s.
“Bek the Bully” positively confirmed some limitations, particularly iffy protection, poor infighting, and an over-reliance on lead energy pictures with out setup jabs, however he earned this victory and deserves commendation for bouncing again from the Gabe Rosado debacle.
That stated, it’s not completely clear what his subsequent step can be. He’ll by no means get a shot at Canelo; even when the WBA nuts up and calls for Canelo truly battle a compulsory challenger for as soon as, the champ is greater than keen to ditch a title as wanted. Caleb Plant holds the interim belt, however he’s already received a date with Jermall Charlo if each males emerge victorious tonight.
I suppose he might battle “gold” champ Uwel Hernandez. Did you guys know they’re doing gold belts once more? Felix Sturm has one in every of them proper now.
