Murad Khalidov Outworks Jose Larduet Over Ten Rounds

Moscow, Russia - Murad Khalidov scored a convincing unanimous decision victory over Jose Larduet on Friday night in Moscow, winning by scores of 119–109, 118–109, and 118–110 after ten hard-fought heavyweight rounds.

The bout headlined IBA Pro 14 and delivered the kind of physical, attritional heavyweight contest many expected, with Khalidov’s accuracy, conditioning, and work rate proving decisive over the course of the fight.

Fight Summary

Khalidov set the tone early, taking command in the opening round with sharp left hands and compact combinations to the body. While Larduet remained dangerous throughout, the Russian was consistently first to the punch and more effective at mid-range, steadily building an early lead on the scorecards.

The fight intensified in the second round as both heavyweights stood their ground and traded, producing a torrid exchange-heavy session that defined the character of the bout. From that point on, Khalidov began to separate himself through superior timing and punch placement, particularly with short uppercuts on the inside.

Tactical Breakdown

A key factor was Khalidov’s ability to control distance without excessive movement. Though never fleet-footed, he made subtle positional adjustments, stepping just enough after combinations to deny Larduet sustained pressure. His uppercut—thrown effectively from both orthodox and southpaw stances—became one of the most damaging and demoralizing punches of the fight.

Larduet, the naturally bigger man, pressed forward and absorbed punishment in hopes of landing a momentum-shifting shot. While he connected sporadically, he was unable to impose his size in the clinch or consistently lean on Khalidov to sap his energy. Instead, it was Khalidov who maintained the higher output deep into the fight.

Key Moments

Rounds four and five marked a clear turning point, as Khalidov began landing more cleanly and visibly wearing down his opponent. By the middle rounds, swelling and damage around Larduet’s right eye reflected the steady accumulation of punishment.

Despite moments of success—particularly when Larduet found the right hand around the guard—the Cuban never sustained enough offense to change the direction of the fight.

Fighter Assessments

Khalidov showed maturity and discipline across ten demanding rounds. He balanced pressure with patience, never overreaching despite holding a comfortable lead, and displayed the conditioning necessary to maintain pace in a physically punishing heavyweight contest.

Larduet demonstrated toughness and resolve, staying engaged until the final bell. However, he struggled to convert his size and experience into effective control, often finding himself outworked and outmaneuvered in extended exchanges.

What It Means

The win marks Khalidov’s second notable victory at this level, following his stoppage of Sergey Kuzmin, and strengthens his case for a step toward fringe world-level opposition. With his aggressive yet controlled style, he continues to establish himself as a compelling figure in the heavyweight division.

Larduet, meanwhile, remains a durable and experienced contender, but this performance underscored the need for adjustments if he is to break through against opponents capable of sustaining pace and pressure over ten rounds.

Khalidov left Moscow with the decision, the momentum, and growing attention—having passed another demanding test in the heavyweight ranks.