If Tim Tszyu hadn’t picked up boxing gloves, he would have been a UFC fighter. That’s what he believes at least. And he is proving it correct, as he underwent a grueling two-month-long training camp at the UFC’s Performance Institute. The Australian fighter is trying to get back to peak fitness level and sharpening his tools to climb back to the top. But will he be able to do it against a fighter, whom many believe to be the most avoided in the division? Or will he hand Bakhram Murtazaliev his first career defeat and become a two-time world champion?

The fans will have their answer when the two boxers clash at the Caribe Royale Orlando this Saturday. They are in for a treat, as the two will unleash their powers and unload heavy punches in a quest to clinch the win and the IBF title with a knockout. Before that happens, let’s have a look at how they both stack up.

Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Tim Tszyu: Tale of the tape

Murtazaliev has swayed the fans with his aggressive style and recently realized his potential, as he bagged the IBF title. The 31-year-old has asserted dominance whenever he has stepped inside the ring and his long list of 22 victims also suggests the same. His perfect record of 22-0 with 16 KOs seizes attention. But when you look at his KO ratio of 72.73%, you realize why fans and pros rate him highly and why other challengers tend to not pick up a fight with him.

In addition, the Grozny native has a towering presence. He stands tall at 6’0″ (1.83 m), which allows him to impose his will and let go of his hands freely. This could arguably catch his foe lacking. What’s more? Murtazaliev’s dimensions and his tendency to come forward put pressure on his foes and keep them on the back foot. The Russian champion could then exploit the situation with his power and leave the arena with a win. However, that might not work against Tszyu.

Tszyu, 29, is the younger of the two yet has more fights under his belt. His impressive record reads 24-1 with 17, which is a testament to his fan-friendly style and his penchant to finish fights early. Similar to the IBF champion, he has an eye-popping KO ratio of 70.83%. But the Sydney native cedes away substantial ground when it comes to size advantage. He has a height of 5’8½” (1.74 m) and a reach measurement of 70½” (179 cm). Tszyu might have trouble punching high and adjusting to Murtazaliev. So, the question is whether he has what it takes to taint Murtazaliev’s unblemished record

Prediction: Who wins it?

What has worked for Murtazaliev? It’s his size advantage, his grit, and his knockout power. His powerful combinations add to his charm. The Oxnard resident also has a strong chin and durability, as witnessed in his fight against Jack Culcay and he has expressed his confidence to replicate the same result against Tszyu. You can expect him to withstand whatever Tszyu throws at him and yet protect his fort with his superior defensive skills.

Whereas, Tszyu is reliant on his jab, which might prove ineffective against Murtazaliev if the latter uses his dimensions well. Besides, his last fight with Sebastian Fundora exposed a few vulnerabilities and the champion could bank on them. But it will be a different fight. ‘The Soul Taker’ looks in his peak fitness state, and uses his volume punching to overwhelm his competitors. You can expect him to do the same against Murtazaliev, throwing a jab and using it to layer up his offense and set up powerful combinations.

Tszyu also controlled the fight against Fundora’s accidental arm blow and opened a gushing fountain on his head. But he endured the fight. Notably, he has only been put to the canvas one time in his professional career, his US debut against Terrell Gausha. It’s a close fight to call but Tszyu’s conditioning, chin, and volume punching could triumph over Murtazaliev’s power, striking, and forward pressure.

What do you make of this coming fight between Bakhram Murtazaliev and Tim Tszyu? Who do you think will leave the arena as victor? Let us know in the comments below.