Arslanbek Makhmudov felt hard done by after heavyweight clash with Tyson Fury on Saturday night.
The Russian-Canadian locked horns with ‘The Gypsy King’ at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday night, Fury’s first ring appearance since he was beaten by Oleksandr Usyk in December of 2024.
Despite the best efforts of Makhmudov, the hard-hitting 36-year-old was unable to break down the two-time world heavyweight champion and ultimately fell short, suffering a landslide unanimous decision defeat.
Speaking to Seconds Out shortly the clash, however, Makhmudov said that he felt a draw would have been a fair result, and can even make a case for himself winning.
“I did my best. It was close fight and I don’t feel I lose. I feel at least it was a draw, at least, but I think for sure I did not lose. I feel myself a winner, I don’t know. I’m proud of myself first of all. It’s personal for [me], I don’t care about this win or lose. Myself, I did what I can and cannot, possible, impossible things. That’s it.”
Few, if any, will agree with the assessment, with Fury largely controlling the action from round two onwards. Makhmudov will come again, perhaps as a stiff test for the next generation.
As for ‘The Gypsy King’, the 37-year-old is expected to secure a long-awaited showdown with rival Anthony Joshua next, with the British duo now in negotiations to face each other this autumn.
