LAS VEGAS — Darius Fulghum and Bektemir Melikuziev will meet in a high-stakes WBA super middleweight title eliminator Friday at the Virgin Hotels.

The matchup will headline a Golden Boy show as the promoter zeroes in on which contender it can push to land a fight one day against undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez.

“It's a fight that we wanted, and the time is here,” Fulghum 28, told The Ring. “It's such a blessing to be the main event in Las Vegas. Golden Boy has done such a great job moving me and I feel that the timing is perfect for me to capitalize on the moment. It's been a big blessing, and I am extremely excited for it. This fight is important because it will allow Golden Boy to realize who they are going to push in what could soon be a wide-open division.”

Fulghum (14-0, 12 KOs) has been fast-tracked since making his pro debut in 2021. He last stepped in the ring in February and secured a fourth-round TKO victory over Winfred Harris Jr. A standout amateur from Houston, Texas, Fulghum claimed the 2018 National Golden Gloves title and competed in the '20 U.S. Olympic Team Trials before making his pro debut.

In 2024, he made waves in the weight class with a dominant run, notching impressive wins over Alantez Fox, Cristian Olivas, Vaughn Alexander and Christopher Pearson.

“I understand the development process now, going from prospect to contender and learning from something in each fight as the opponents get more challenging,” said Fulghum. “All of the lessons I've learned are going to show on Friday.”

“Bek The Bully” Melikuziev (15-1, 10 KOs), Uzbekistan’s 2016 Olympic silver medalist, is coming off a razor-thin split decision victory over David Stevens in November. The southpaw's only professional setback came four years ago when Gabriel Rosado delivered a stunning one-punch knockout.

Melikuziev, however, settled the score in 2023 by earning a convincing decision win in their rematch. The 29-year-old now rides an eight-fight winning streak.

“He goes by the nickname Bully, but every time I've seen him, he's smiling and seems like a nice guy whenever we've crossed paths,” said Fulghum. “I don't necessarily look at everything that makes him a beatable opponent. I always try not to look too deeply at my opponents because I respect my opponents, and I respect myself a lot more.

"I think about all of the things I bring to the table that are hard to deal with. My style is very adaptable, and I can figure any guy out given the right circumstances. I think anybody at 168 is a beatable opponent. ... I am a beatable opponent. Boxing is so humbling because anybody can be beaten.”

Oddsmakers are deeming the fight will be close — Fulghum is a plus-100 underdog while Melikuziev is a minus-125 betting favorite. The winner will get in line for Alvarez.

On the following night, across The Strip, another pair of meaningful super middleweight fights take place at Mandalay Bay when WBA interim champion Caleb Plant and Jermall Charlo return in separate matchups as significant favorites. If they both win, a meeting between the pair is next.

“It's hard not to look too far ahead,” said Fulghum. “I would love to fight Canelo, but it doesn't seem realistic right now. He could be retiring soon, and then the belts are going to open up and be free. I want to be in a position to win a title.

"The landscape can change drastically, and it's hard to look too far into the future but there are plenty of other guys in a stacked division that I would like to fight, like Plant, Charlo, Jaime Munguia, Edgar Berlanga, Christian Mbilli or Diego Pacheco.

“That's what makes it a special fight for me and Melikuziev. Bek is a tough guy and extremely durable with a unique style. I am looking forward to the challenge because I have all of the necessary tools to beat him.”