By Geno McGahee
Murodjon Akhmadaliev, 5-0, 4 KO’s, systematically beat and stopped the game but overmatched, Isaac Zarate, 16-4-3, 2 KO’s, prompting the referee to call a halt to the action after a barrage of punches in the ninth round.
From the opening bell, MJ came on strong, using his superior power and strength to bully Zarate around the ring without much return. Zarate, having only 2 knockouts in 22 fights, was not a knockout threat and he was treated as such. MJ was able to chase him around the ring, working the body and wearing Zarate down. The stoppage seemed inevitable.
In between the seventh and the eighth round, Zarate’s corner warned that they would stop the fight if their fighter did not defend better and fight back. The writing was on the wall. Akhmadaliev smelled blood in the 9th round and landed a vicious right hook that dazed Zarate, stumbling him into the ropes. A barrage of punches from MJ ended it. Zarate was on his feet, but there was no reason for him to take any more punishment.
