LAS VEGAS — Bektemir Melikuziev's worst fears were realized when he broke his nose in the fourth round of his firefight and unanimous decision win against Darius Fulghum on Friday night.

During training camp, Melikuziev's nose was busted and he wasn't able to spar for three weeks before his WBA super middleweight title eliminator at Virgin Hotels. Lingering effects ensued, leading all the way into the fight. But the Uzbek demonstrated tremendous courage and resilience to battle through a crimson mask and swelling around his face, knocking down Fulghum in the final round to seal victory.

Melikuziev was awarded scores of 114-112 across the board, and the point he was deducted for excessive holding didn't cost him. Melikuziev landed 170 of 442 punches vs. Fulghum's 169 of 407, according to CompuBox.

"It was a really tough, physical and emotional fight — an important fight," Melikuziev said through a translator afterwards. "I had to get my [expletive] together in the final rounds and go out there to do what I am supposed to do. Luckily for me I was able to pull it off in the last rounds.

"Going into the fight, I had a lot of nerves about it. That was my main scare — not to get the nose broken again. I knew I was fighting a guy who was taller and with a reach advantage, aiming at the nose. We faced a lot of adversity during this camp, so this victory means a lot more, especially with my baby on the way."

The evenly matched fight featured high-level ebbs and flows. The still-green Fulghum showed great skill against the sophisticated southpaw and 2016 Olympic silver medalist known as "The Bully."

Fulghum (14-1, 12 KOs) felt he did enough to win the fight, but admitted afterward that he got lazy when he was popped and dropped in the 12th.

"I got a little too complacent and comfortable early on," Fulghum said.

"I thought I was going to start breaking him down. Just chop it up to experience. My lack of experience definitely cost me in this fight. I started boxing when I was 19. It's still kind of early in the game, a big learning lesson and experience. I came here to win and am upset I didn't get the job done. I am going to grow by getting back in the gym. It's not the end of the journey for me."

After the WBA's weekend rankings update, Melikuziev (16-1, 10 KOs) sits as the No. 1 challenger to undisputed 168-pound king Canelo Alvarez's throne.

Armando Resendiz, who shocked Caleb Plant with a dominant performance the following night, is the WBA's interim titleholder. Jermall Charlo is ranked No. 2 after stopping Thomas LaManna in six rounds on the undercard.

Melikuziev is looking to land a matchup next time out against a heralded opponent.

"I'll fight anyone they put in front of me," he said. "I am here for the belts. Whoever gives me the opportunity, I am going to take it. Everyone knows I don't pick the fights. I'm not scared to face any of the top guys at super middleweight."