Arslanbek Makhmudov says he’s thankful that British heavyweight Dave Allen selected him as his opponent for their 12-round headliner on DAZN on October 11th. Allen (24-7-2, 19 KOs) picked the imposing 6’6″ Makhmudov (20-2, 19 KOs) from a list of five fighters for his opponent.
Path to Wilder or Joshua
Promoter Eddie Hearn says that if Allen defeats Arslanbek, his next fight could be against Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua. So, there’s a lot at stake for Allen, 33, in this fight. That would be a massive late-career payday for Allen to get a fight against Joshua. Who would have ever thought that a ham-and-egger like Allen could be on the verge of getting a chance to fight AJ?
It’s still a lot to ask for ‘The White Rhino’ to pull off an upset of Makhmudov. It’s one thing to beat a domestic-level fighter like Johnny Fisher, but it’s a different story doing that against Makhmudov. The most likely outcome of this fight is Allen getting bulldozed in two or three rounds by the big Russian on October 11th.
Makhmudov Thanks Allen
“No, I didn’t know that. Thank him for choosing me. It gives me a good opportunity,” said Arslanbek Makhmudov to Boxing King Media when told that Dave Allen chose him as his opponent. “Maybe my style is comfortable for him. I don’t know.”
It’s interesting how Makhmudov took the news in stride of Allen hand-picking him. You’d think he would be insulted at being selected. Allen obviously chose him because he thinks he can win, but Makhmudov doesn’t mind. He’s just grateful.
“If I win, the next will be a top guy. He’s always going forward, attacking, and a lot of body shots,” said Makhmudov about Allen. “It’s a good style for me. I know the style, and I do my job, of course. It’s not a problem wth a lot of people [in the arena] because in the ring, it’s just me and him. This is the reality.
“Be ready for October,” said Makhmudov about his message to Allen. “I think it’s going to be a great fight.”
Last Updated on 08/02/2025
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