Arslanbek Makhmudov Calls Out Anthony Joshua: “You Promised Me This Fight” — and Now He Wants AJ to Keep His Word

Arslanbek Makhmudov wants Anthony Joshua to keep his promise to fight him next, after he said he would if he beat British heavyweight Dave Allen.

Allen Paid the Price in Punishment

The big 6’5 1/2″ Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs) fulfilled his end of the bargain, defeating Allen by a 12-round unanimous decision on October 11th. It was a fight that should have stopped by Allen’s corner by the eleventh round, as he soaked up a lot of punishment from the powerful shots from Makhmudov.

AJ’s Promise on the Record

“I wait for you and am ready for you,” said Arslanbek Makhmudov to Sky Sports Boxing. “We have to do fight for see this who can going to stay who can can win.”

Fighting Joshua would provide the 36-year-old Russia-born Makhmudov with a career-high payday, potentially financially setting him up for life. It’s understandable why he’s now pressing Joshua to give him the fight that he’d said he would.

“We spoke already with me before the fight with AJ. He gave me a promise we’re going to battle if I win this fight with [Allen] that he was going to fight with me,” said Makhmudov.

Those shots that Makhmudov hit Dave Allen with would be difficult for Joshua to withstand without hitting the deck once or twice if he were to take on the huge ‘Lion’ next. Could the 36-year-old Joshua take those punches? It’s questionable whether he could.

“Listen, guys, after the fight, you’re going to love me, guys. You’re going to love me, guys,” said Arslanbek, sending a message to UK fans.

Olly Campbell’s Verdict: Joshua’s Silence Speaks Volumes

It would be a good idea for Makhmudov not to hold his breath waiting for Joshua to fight him. He’d recently said he would fight Daniel Dubois again to avenge his fifth-round knockout loss from September 21, 2024. He’s not done it. What does that tell you? That suggests that Joshua is unreliable in keeping his word about fighting someone.

AJ’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, hasn’t mentioned who could be next for his “run-out” fight in December. Selecting Arslanbek would require that Hearn have faith in Joshua because he would have to eat some heavy shots.

Makhmudov is no easy out for anyone, not even the two heavyweights that stopped him recently, Guido Vianello and Agit Kabayel. Those fighters had to walk through some big punches to score stoppages of Makhmudov.