Russian heavyweight contender Arslanbek Makhmudov has very politely called out Anthony Joshua in a video message published by Ring Magazine.
Makhmudov (21-3, 19 KOs) has become a fixture in the British heavyweight scene of late, with his last two fights taking place in England. The 6ft 6in Russian colossus was gifted an opportunity to face Joshua’s arch nemesis in Tyson Fury earlier this month but would lose comfortably on all three scorecards at the 62,000 seater Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London.
Fury would immediately call out Joshua following the victory, who was sat ringside, resulting in clumsy confrontation live on Netflix. It’s apparent Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn are looking to get the fight signed, with negotiations taking place at the time of writing. However, Joshua’s promoter has revealed that the deal includes a so-called warm up fight ahead of finally colliding with Fury in November.
Makhmudov’s history with Joshua goes back to last November, when the British star apparently offered the Russian a fight ahead of defeating David Allen by unanimous-decision last October. However, complications arose with Joshua being in a tragic car accident in Africa, leading to a delay in his return. After a disappointing 2023 and 2024 with losses to Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello, Makhmudov finds himself encapsulated by British heavyweight’s, on the verge of his third fight against a British opponent.
“Hey Joshua, what’s up man,” Makhmudov said in the self-recorded video. “Listen, I heard about you looking for some opportunity to fight in November in Riyadh. Listen, I hope you don’t forget the words you give me. Man words. I wait for you bro, I wait for you. Let me know.”
Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) saw his stock plummet following a devastating fifth round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois 17 months ago for the IBF world title. The Olympic gold medalist would return last December, defeating American social media personality turned boxing promoter Jake Paul in a fifth-round stoppage.
Joshua acquired the services of Oleksandr Usyk’s backroom training team for the highly publicized bout with Paul in Miami, with Igor Golub taking lead in the corner. However, shortly after the victory, Joshua experienced a life treating car crash in Nigeria, which saw two of his friends sadly lose their lives. The incident sparked fears over Joshua future in boxing, but he has returned to the gym working closely with Usyk at the Ukrainian’s Valencia training camp ahead of a scheduled summer return.
Deontay Wilder joins Makhmudov as a potential suitor in the highly profitable Joshua sweepstakes, but the American knockout artist could prove a risky disruption to the Fury bout. While Makhmudov would likely pose an easier negotiation process, albeit Joshua vs Wilder is a much larger spectacle.
