Melikuziev vs Fulghum set for May 30

Bektemir Melikuziev and Darius Fulghum will meet in a DAZN main event from Las Vegas.

Bektemir Melikuziev and Darius Fulghum will headline a Golden Boy show on DAZN on Friday, May 30, from The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas.

It’s a strong step-up fight for Fulghum (14-0, 12 KO), who took to boxing late and has more or less learned on the job as a professional. At 28, he’s been impressive against some decent veterans thus far, and looked really strong last November in a third round TKO win over Christopher Pearson, which he followed on February 15 with a fourth round stoppage win over Winfred Harris Jr.

Melikuziev (15-1, 10 KO) has never really gotten his career back on the track it was before his one-punch knockout loss to Gabe Rosado in 2021. He’s won eight fights since then, including a rematch with Rosado in 2023, but the hype hasn’t returned. He most recently fought in November, winning a split decision over David Stevens.

For both sides, it’s a chance to make a move at 168 lbs, as the fight will be a WBA eliminator.

“I’m happy to be back, in a meaningful fight,” said Melikuziev. “My goal remains the same, the world championship belt and this fight is for the right to challenge the champion, and that’s what I’ve been waiting for.”

“My mentality for this fight is to make a statement that makes me an undeniable force in the super middleweight division,” said Fulghum. “This is an opportunity that I don’t take for granted. I’m checking all boxes so the fans will see the best version of DFG.”

The show will also feature Eric Priest in a 10-round middleweight bout as the chief support, plus returns for 2024 Olympian Joshua Edwards, Federico Pacheco Jr, and Cayden Griffiths.