Arslanbek Makhmudov targeting Anthony Joshua following intelligent Dave Allen performance
Is Makhmudov ready for AJ?
Arslanbek Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KO’s) put on a spirited performance against Britain's Dave Allen this weekend and is now hoping the win will catapult him to an Anthony Joshua showdown.
Allen put up a good fight, but ultimately proved no match for the Russian, who ran away with the fight, all three judges scoring the contest heavily in the travelling fighter's favour.
His amateur pedigree was on full display as he expertly navigated the 12-round affair, comfortably bringing the W home.
He will be hoping the win pushes him on to bigger and better things. A showdown against Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KO's) appears to be top of the prospect's wishlist.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Camille Estephan - Makhmudov’s promoter - revealed that he feels AJ is the best next step.
“Definitely I think it would be a great fight,” he said.
"Arslanbek has shown against Allen that he has more than just nuclear power. The question remains though, can AJ handle Makhmudov's power? I think a huge number of fans would like to find out.”
The 36-year-old reciprocates this feeling, revealing that he has already made contact with the former world champion, and a fight date is looking almost guaranteed.
“Anthony Joshua, where are you? I'm coming for you.
"I've already spoken with him and he gave me his word that he will fight me next year. I'm ready.”
Eddie Hearn hasn’t confirmed the apparent talks between the heavyweight pairing. However, he has revealed that AJ will be looking to add a couple of names to his resume, and Makhmudov would prove a tough test ahead of a prospective clash against ‘The Gypsy King’.
"If [AJ] fights this year, that will be a pure run out. It won't be a top 15 guy," the promoter relayed to Sky Sports.
“He's either going to have those two fights before Tyson Fury, if that can get made, or he's going to have the one fight in February.
"We haven't really decided yet but he's keen to get active.”
