Khalidov’s manager: “Some took the victory over Kuzmin as a surprise, but we understand Murad’s level”

Murad Khalidov’s victory over Sergey Kuzmin may look unexpected, but the team knows the level of its boxer, the Russian’s manager Vitaly Tarasov told Match TV.

On Monday in St. Petersburg, in the main fight of the Betsity IBA.PRO 10 tournament, Khalidov knocked out Kuzmin in the seventh round.

— Someone took Murad’s victory as an upset. According to the quotes, he was generally an underdog. But we understand Khalidov’s level, and he is very, very good. This is what he demonstrated in the fight with such an eminent boxer. At 37 years old, Murad is already fighting his fifth fight. I fought twice in boxing with MMA gloves, once with bare fists, and twice in boxing.

Last time he passed an 18-year-old undefeated prospect, and now he took out a veteran of the sport. There is a boxing match on the horizon with Olympic champion Bakhodir Zhalolov, as well as a very high-profile fist fight. Most likely, Murad will close the year with a bare-knuckle fight. This will be something really big,” Tarasov told Match TV.

Kuzmin won 19 victories and suffered three defeats in the professional ring. Known for his bare-knuckle performances, Khalidov has 11 victories in 11 fights according to boxing rules.

Watch the IBA.PRO tournaments live on the Match TV and Match! Fighter”, as well as on the websites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru.