Dave Allen has some advice for Anthony Joshua if he is to take on Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Makhmudov is a giant Russian boxer who fights out of Montreal and has been suggested as a possible opponent for Joshua when he finally makes his ring return.
Last time former two-time unified champion Joshua boxed was more than 12 months ago back in September 2024 at Wembley Stadium when he was knocked out in devastating fashion by Daniel Dubois as he attempted to wrestle the IBF belt off his fellow Brit.
Makhmudov has lost only twice, both times by KO, first to Agit Kabayel in December 2023, and then to Guido Vianello in August 2024. This past weekend he showed he is still something of a juggernaut as he walked Allen down for 12 rounds, landing plenty of heavy shots while taking a barrage of body and head shots of his own, though didn’t get the KO many predicted.
He ran out a wide points winner on all three judges’ cards, and while he lacked hand speed and defensive nous, Allen told The Stomping Ground afterwards that he will present a tough challenge for ‘AJ’ for at least a few rounds.
“He’s not as good as he was, still better than me but not as good as he was. He can punch though, he can punch. It’ll be a dangerous one or two rounds for Joshua, but Makhmudov is on the downhill slope himself. I think Joshua deals with him, it will be a dangerous fight though.”
