A VICTORIOUS Arslanbek Makhmudov has told Boxing News he will fight another British heavyweight after beating Dave Allen in Sheffield last night.
The 36-year-old Canadian-based Russian was a deserving winner against the popular Allen despite the best attempts of “The White Rhino” at the Sheffield Arena. Makhmudov’s right hand contributed to much of his own success and after 12 rounds the scorecards of 117-109, 116-110 and 115-111 reflected Makhmudov’s dominance.
Makhmudov’s reputation had taken a knock with two defeats in his previous four fights. Those losses to Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello raised question marks over Makhmudov’s durability and overall credentials but last night’s win could now lead to a clash against another British heavyweight.
Earlier in the week rumours began circling of a future fight between Makhmudov, 21-2 (19 KOs), and two-time unified champion Anthony Joshua, 28-4 (25 KOs). Speaking in his dressing room after last night’s triumph Makhmudov revealed to BN that the fight will happen.
“I already have a deal with him. We spoke with him in Instagram. He said, ‘Okay go fight with Dave Allen and [we] fight next year.’ He confirmed. Now it’s his turn.”
When Joshua fights next remains to be seen. The 35-year-old has not fought since his crushing loss to Daniel Dubois last year. Surgery to his elbow in May delayed his return but promoter Eddie Hearn has said that the Londoner is now raring to go and get back in the ring. And later this year Matchroom could stage their first ever show in Africa which could feature Joshua in the headline slot.
With Tyson Fury rumoured to be returning to action in 2026 an all-British super-fight between “The Gypsy King” and “AJ” could be back on the table. Makhmudov will be eager to spoil those plans if he is called to face Joshua beforehand. Asked how a fight between himself and Joshua would play out he said, “I’m going to go for win like this night. I go for win, try to win [and] to make a good fight. I’m boxer. What am I gonna do? I’m gonna box.”
