Arslanbek Makhmudov has reminded Anthony Joshua of his “promise” to face each other in the ring.
Makhmudov, after an exchange of messages on social media, revealed that Joshua seemed willing to meet. The Russian boxer is emerging as a possible rival for Joshua, after his dominant victory over Dave Allen in Sheffield.
Joshua, former IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion, hasn’t fought since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last year, but is planning his return, which could culminate in a highly anticipated fight against Tyson Fury.
I am ready, I did the work, I came to the UK, I won against Allen. I spoke with AJ before the fight. He promised me that if I won this fight with Allen, he would fight me afterwards.
Arslanbek Makhmudov
Makhmudov’s rise in the heavyweight rankings was interrupted by unexpected defeats, but he demonstrated his threat by defeating Allen. With 19 knockouts in 21 victories, he could be a good test for Joshua’s return.Furthermore, the possibility of a fight in Africa is being considered for Joshua, who must choose the ideal opponent. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, has confirmed an event in Ghana to boost his company’s presence in Africa.
We are going to do an event in Ghana on December 20th. Obviously, it won’t be an AJ event, but it will still be a good event.
Eddie Hearn
Joshua, with roots in Nigeria, has always shown interest in fighting on the African continent, where Muhammad Ali’s famous “Rumble in the Jungle” was held.
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A historic fight in Africa could pave the way for the long-awaited showdown against Fury, which boxing fans have long yearned for.
Hearn has discussed Joshua vs. Fury for 2026 with Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. Alalshikh is probably the only one who can make the fight with Tyson Fury happen, as both boxers will be looking for a large sum of money.
Hearn also commented that Joshua wants to stay active, so he is expected to have a good pace of fights. He also revealed that Alalshikh has a plan for Joshua that inevitably includes the fight against Tyson Fury.
Several heavyweights are ready to welcome Joshua back to the ring as he prepares to face Fury in 2026. Makhmudov, with a good reputation among UK fans, is pushing to disrupt Joshua’s plans.
