Semi-final: Defeated by Joe Ward (Republic of Ireland) 3–2
Professional career
On 13 June 2019, Melikuziev made his professional debut against the experienced Argentinian Martin Fidel Rios. Melikuziev won the bout after knocking Rios out with a left hand to the body in the opening round.[2] Melikuziev's second bout as a professional was against Ricardo Adrian Luna Flores on 30 August 2019. Melikuziev secured a first round win after dropping his Mexican opponent on the canvas twice following a series of strong body shots, Melikuziev was declared the winner after Luna Flores was unable to recover from a second time on the canvas.[3]
On 2 November 2019, Melikuziev fought professionally for a third time on the undercard of Canelo Álvarez vs Sergey Kovalev against Clay Collard. Melikuziev won via fourth-round technical knockout after slowly wearing his opponent down with a number of heavy body shots.[4] Melikuziev was taken the distance for the first time as a professional when he fought Vaughn Alexander on 13 December 2019. Melikuziev won via wide unanimous decision after winning every round on each of the three scorecards.[5]
On 14 February 2020, Melikuziev fought against Oscar Cortes. In the opening round, Melikuziev put his opponent on the canvas with a right hand to the head. Cortes landed few shots throughout the bout and Melikuziev eventually dropped his opponent for a second time in the round with a heavy shot to the body, following the second knock down, referee Edward Hernandez Sr called an end to the fight.[6] Melikuziev's sixth professional fight was against Alan Campa on 30 October 2020. Melikuziev won via knockout in the third round.[7]
Melikuziev had been scheduled to fight former light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev on 30 January 2021, but the bout was canceled when Kovalev tested positive for a banned substance.[8] Melikuziev instead fought Morgan Fitch on 13 February 2021 and won via third-round knockout after knocking Fitch down twice in the bout.[9]
On 19 June 2021, Melikuziev fought his toughest opponent yet, American veteran Gabriel Rosado. He dropped Rosado in the first round and looked to be in control of the fight, but Rosado unexpectedly caught Melikuziev in the third round with a powerful overhand right that sent him to the canvas. Melikuziev was unable to recover in time and he suffered a major upset loss, with commentators and analysts opining that the stoppage was a contender for Knockout of the Year.[10]
On April 20, 2024 in Brooklyn, NY, Melikuziev was scheduled to face Pierre Hubert Dibombe.[11] He won the fight via unanimous technical decision, after the fight was stopped in the eighth round due to cut above his left eye.[12]
Retained WBA Inter-Continental super-middleweight title; Unanimous TD; Fight stopped after both fighters suffered a cut on their head caused by an accidental clash of heads
