Gabe Rosado - Bektemir Melikuziev 2 - Repeat or Revenge

“King” Gabe Rosado (26-16-1, 15 KO’s) looks to batter the bully once again. If you think the first time was a lucky punch, think again. That was a clinic in Freddie Roach-trained counterpunching perfection.  

The last time veteran super middleweight contender Gabe Rosado faced thunderous punching Bektemir Melikuziev, in June of 2021 in Al Paso, Texas, “Bek the Bully” was 7-0, 6 by KO, and there was little to indicate that Rosado wouldn’t be win # 8. 

While Bek entered the fight unbeaten in 7 fights, Rosado was winless in 5 of his last 7. As the script was supposed to play out for Philadelphia native Rosado, he would hang tough for a few rounds, show his experience and guile from years of fighting boxing’s very best, and probably get stopped on cuts, the mercy of his corner, or lose a one-sided decision. 

Apparently, Rosado didn’t get the memo because in the third round, after taking some hellacious body shots throughout the fight, and getting dropped in the first round, Rosado walked Melikuziev into a highlight reel, picture-perfect “KO of the Year” counter right that sent him down face first. 

Boom!

What does veteran boxing man Douglas Fischer call that? A “one hitter quitter”. Indeed. 

They are now set for the rematch on April 22 in front of a huge audience on the SRO Tank Davis-Ryan Garcia card in Las Vegas. 

The first time they met was to a paltry crowd at the Don Haskins Center as the arena had to yet to fill up for the night’s main event with undefeated Jaime Munguia in the spotlight. This time, all eyes will be on the bout and the feeling going in will be a lot different in terms of Rosado’s chances. 

Logic will dictate that Bek’s best move would be to box, be careful landing the heavy artillery and be on point all night so as not to get caught again. However, can Bek really be effective boxing? Is that playing to his strength?

The other option would be to go right after Rosado (as he was in the first bout) and turn it into a slugfest. But, he better be very careful that he doesn’t leave himself open because Rosado tested that chin in the first bout and it failed with flying colors. (In fairness to Bek, it was a picture-perfect counter that landed right on the sweet spot. One would need Hagler-esque whiskers to have survived it). 

A couple of technical pieces can’t be ignored. Rosado, under the direction of legendary trainer Freddie Roach, didn’t just back up into the ropes, launch a haymaker, and hope for the best. He stayed right in the pocket and was looking to time with a counter right. And, it had to be timed perfectly because whoever landed first, with both fighters leaving themselves vulnerable by opening up, was probably going to do serious damage. Rosado, who had been landing more frequently as the fight progressed, both with effective jabs and body shots, set the trap and executed the counter shot perfectly. In short, perfect execution by a rock-steady veteran who stayed calm and focused in the eye of the storm.  

Just last month, Rosado was set to face light heavyweight Gilberto Ramirez. However, their fight was canceled a day before when it was apparent that Ramirez misread the contract and thought he signed for a cruiserweight bout and came in ridiculously overweight.

Rosado went back to the gym, stayed ready, and has been slotted on what could be the biggest fight card of the year.

Pennsylvania-native “King” Gabe, who now calls California home, not unlike their previous bout, is going into the fight after a few straight losses. “Bek the Bully” heads into the rematch off a few straight wins. 

This pre-fight scenario seems all too familiar. 

In a recent interview, that Rosado, a long-time contender, and a fighter who is always in exciting bouts, looks to repeat history once again. 

“It was tough having the fight against ‘Zurdo’ canceled, but now it’s me versus Bek on the biggest fight card of the year,” said Rosado. “I’m focused and ready to put Bek back in check. I look forward to being part of a historical fight card, and I plan on dominating ‘The Bully’ once again!”

Bek, originally hailing from Uzbekistan and now residing in Indio, California, stung from the surprise ending of their first meeting, has revenge on his mind.

“This is the fight I wanted and the most important fight for me today,” said Melikuziev. “This is the fight to right the wrong. I am so lucky to make it on the biggest card of the year. I want to thank my team, my promoter, and, of course, Rosado, for giving me this opportunity.”

A repeat for the “King” or revenge for “The Bully”?