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Arslanbek Makhmudov has been seen as a potential opponent. anthony joshuaReturn to the ring – The Russian heavyweight has had discussions with the former world champion.
Makhmudov takes on Joshua’s fellow Briton dave allen In the main event at the Sheffield Arena this weekend, live on DAZN.
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The 36-year-old, who has won 19 of his 22 fights inside the distance with a knockout ratio of 86 percent, is looking to get a shot at Joshua if he can defeat Allen on Saturday night.
Speaking to Boxing News about his conversation with Joshua, Makhmudov shared: “Yeah, we just talked a little bit on Instagram.
“Just friendly, you know. And I pitched it to him as the next fight, he said, ‘Okay, then next year. Next year we can do it.'”
Both Makhmudov and Joshua were promising amateurs, although only the Briton managed to earn major honors by winning gold at his home Olympics in 2012.
The last opponent Joshua defeated as an amateur, Mihai Nestor, later lost to Makhmudov, who was also victorious over Azerbaijan’s Magomedrasul Majidov, who defeated AJ for gold at the 2011 World Championships in Baku.
Since turning professional, Makhmudov has struggled to translate the hype surrounding him into a world title shot, with a loss to Agit Kabayel in 2023 derailing his momentum.
Makhmudov added: “For me, the fight is interesting because it is a good opportunity.
“And in sports, because as an amateur we had some story. He lost to guys at the European Championships and the World Championships – I beat these two guys. To me, it’s interesting.”
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Makhmudov’s comments were reinforced by upcoming opponent Allen, who believes he will face Joshua if his opponent wins on Saturday.
Allen said: “I think if he (Joshua) returns, he’ll box Makhmudov, if Makhmudov beats me. If I win, I don’t think I’ll box Joshua, but I think that’s what will happen.”
Pressed on why he felt this way, Allen continued: “That’s what I’ve heard – I’m just trying to give you information. Because Makhmudov is a scarier looking guy than me and obviously a bit more of a threat. So I think if Makhmudov beats me he’ll put Joshua in the box.”
Asked if Joshua was avoiding him, a shy Allen said with a smile: “I’m not saying no one is avoiding me at all, I would never say that. I’m just telling you what I would think would happen, if the outcome went that way.”
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