LAS VEGAS – Bektemir Melikuziev outlasted Darius Fulghum in a grueling test for both fighters, earning a hard-fought unanimous decision in the main event of Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN.
All three judges scored it 114-112 for Melikuziev, who sealed the win with a knockdown in the final round. Battling through a fractured nose, a bloody face, and swelling, the Uzbek southpaw’s grit and experience made the difference.
“This was a tough one,” Melikuziev said after the fight. “I broke my nose in camp, couldn’t spar for two weeks, then got hit in the same spot again.”
Melikuziev controlled the early rounds with his sharp left hand and footwork, keeping Fulghum off balance. The 2016 Olympic silver medalist punished Fulghum with body shots and straight lefts while slipping much of the incoming fire.
Fulghum, backed by a loud crowd chanting “DFG,” had moments — particularly in the middle rounds — landing some right hands and getting a point deducted from Melikuziev in the seventh for holding. But the Houston native couldn’t string together enough momentum.
In the twelfth, Melikuziev landed a left hand to the body and a follow-up upstairs that dropped Fulghum — the lone knockdown of the fight. Fulghum got up and fought to the bell, but the damage was done.
Melikuziev (16-1, 10 KOs) has now won nine straight, bouncing back impressively since his 2021 loss to Gabriel Rosado. With the win, he becomes the WBA’s mandatory challenger at 168 pounds.
Fulghum (14-1, 12 KOs) took his first professional loss but showed he belongs at this level, going the distance in a fast-paced, physical fight that tested his heart and chin.
Joshua Edwards Scores Explosive First-Round Knockout Over Alexander Rhodes
Rising American heavyweight Joshua Edwards made a loud statement on May 30 in Las Vegas, stopping Alexander Rhodes with a dominant first-round knockout. Fighting on the undercard of Melikuziev vs. Fulghum, Edwards wasted no time showcasing his power and precision.
The 25-year-old from Houston stunned Rhodes early with sharp jabs and a clean right hand. Moments later, a perfectly timed straight right sent Rhodes crashing into the ropes and then to the canvas. Referee Robert Hoyle counted him out at 2:08 of the opening round.
The win marked Edwards’ second professional fight and second knockout, solidifying his growing reputation as a serious heavyweight prospect. At 6’3″ and 222 pounds, Edwards combines athleticism, speed, and smart movement — traits that continue to draw attention from fans and promoters alike.
With another highlight-reel finish under his belt, Edwards is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new names in the U.S. heavyweight scene.
Main card
- Bektemir Melikuziev def. Darius Fulghum by unanimous decision (114-112, 114-112, 114-112)
- Eric Priest def. Luis Arias by unanimous decision (99-90, 99-90, 96-93)
- Joshua Edwards def. Alexander Rhodes (R1, 2:08)
- Federico Pacheco Jr def. Calvin Barnett by unanimous decision (58-55, 58-55, 58-55)
- Cayden Griffiths def. Edgar Gutierrez by KO (R4, 1:15)
Prelims
- Grant Flores def. Brandon Diaz-Campos by TKO (R5, 2:58)
- Santiago Dominguez def. John Vincent Moralde by KO (R1, 2:52)
- Daniel Garcia def. George Camilo Rodriguez Pardo by unanimous decision (80-72, 80-72, 80-72)
