Arslanbek Makhmudov reminded Anthony Joshua of his “promise” to face each other in the ring.
Makhmudov revealed an exchange of messages on social media where Joshua seemed to be open to the idea of a fight.
Makhmudov is emerging as a possible opponent for Joshua, after his dominant victory over Dave Allen in Sheffield.
The former IBF, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion, Joshua, hasn’t fought since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last year, but is planning a comeback that could culminate in an anticipated fight against Tyson Fury.
On this path, he could include a confrontation with Makhmudov, who declared:
I am ready, I did the work, I came to the UK, I won against Allen.
Arslanbek Makhmudov
Makhmudov added that he spoke with Joshua before the fight and he promised him that, if he won against Allen, he would fight him.
Makhmudov’s rise in the heavyweight rankings was interrupted by unexpected defeats, but he demonstrated his power by defeating Allen.
The boxer, based in Canada, has 19 knockouts in 21 victories and could be a good benchmark for Joshua’s return.A fight in Africa is also in Joshua’s plans, 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.
Hearn commented that the event in Ghana, scheduled for December 20, will not be a Joshua event, but will serve as a good start.
Joshua, with roots in Nigeria, has always expressed his desire to fight on the African continent, where Muhammad Ali’s famous “Rumble in the Jungle” took place.
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A historic fight in Africa could pave the way for the long-awaited showdown against Fury, which boxing fans have yearned for years.
Hearn has discussed the Joshua vs. Fury fight for 2026 with Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. Hearn mentioned that Alalshikh is probably the only one who can make the fight happen with Tyson Fury, due to the high sums of money that both boxers will demand.
Hearn also indicated that Joshua wants to stay active and that there is a plan for him in Saudi Arabia, which inevitably includes the fight against Tyson Fury.
Several heavyweights are ready to welcome Joshua back as he prepares to face Fury in 2026.
Makhmudov, with a good reputation among UK fans after his fight in Sheffield against Allen, is pushing to disrupt Joshua’s plans.
