Murtazaliev was behind on the scorecards when he stopped Jack Culcay late on as the away fighter in Germany to win the then vacant IBF title back in 2024. The champion may have to dig deep against a more skilful fighter again on Saturday but Murtazaliev can force a stoppage in the second half to keep hold of his belt.

Chris Oliver is back to preview a blockbuster night of boxing on Saturday, headlined by Josh Kelly's big clash with Bakhram Murtazaliev in Newcastle.

Queensland boxing icon Jeff Horn is tipping Michael Zerafa to knock out Nikita Tszyu and banish memories of his last fight in Brisbane, which was the home of one of the most humiliating losses of his career.