Arslanbek Mahmudov expects his win over Dave Allen to put him in contention for a 2026 fight with Anthony Joshua.
Team Joshua plans to have AJ fight once, and possibly twice, before fighting one of the big names in the division next summer.
Mahmudov picked up a dominant unanimous decision win over Allen in Sheffield at the weekend.
With no opponent identified yet in Joshua’s comeback fight, Mahmudov believes he could be in the reckoning.
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Watch highlights of Arslanbek Mahmudov’s dominant TKO win against Rafael Akpejori
Kamil Estefan, Mahmudov’s promoter, wants Joshua as his next.
“I definitely think it will be a great fight,” Estefan said. Sky Sports.
“Arslanbek showed against Allen that he has more than just nuclear power. The question remains, can AJ handle the power of Mahmudov? I think a large number of fans would like to know that.”
Mahmudov was a heavyweight who fought at a high level, losing to Ajit Kabayel, now the interim WBC titlist, and Olympian Guido Vianello.
Makhmudov summoned the former world champion after his victory over Allen. “Anthony Joshua, where are you? I’m coming for you.”
“I already talked to him and he promised me that he will fight with me next year. I am ready.”
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Eddie Hearn has told Sky Sports News’ John Dineen that he is “optimistic” a fight between Anthony Josua and Tyson Fury could take place.
AJ is keen on being active
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, said: Sky Sports: “If (AJ) fights this year, it will be a pure runout. He won’t be in the top 15,” the promoter continued. “Either he’ll fight those two fights before Tyson Fury, if that’s possible, or he’ll fight the one fight in February.
“We haven’t made a decision yet, but he’s keen to get back into action.”
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