Joe McConnell
Arslanbek Makhmudov has vowed to do “everything possible” to secure a bout against unified world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk will renew his rivalry with Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia on December 21, following their May clash in Riyadh, which saw the Ukrainian become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years with a split decision victory.
Makhmudov has no doubts it will be just as tough a fight the second time around, although he expects Fury to have learned from the first fight, after being badly hurt by Usyk in the ninth round.
“It was a close fight until Fury was knocked down. [into the ropes]”Makhmudov said Vscek“It was a close fight before, but Usyk is a problem for any heavyweight.
“He’s so fast and the second thing is his footwork. He’s got good cardio and that’s why the second fight, I don’t know where he’s going.
“It’s going to be interesting, but Fury is a smart guy and he’ll figure out what he needs to do and what he needs to fix.”
Makhmudov has been on the fringes of world title contention after compiling a 19-1 record since turning pro in 2017, with 18 stoppages underlining his reputation as a tireless fighter.
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Tyson Fury insisted his fight against Oleksandr Usyk was “too easy” despite suffering his first professional defeat
The 35-year-old Russian, who fights in Montreal, Canada, has made no secret of his desire to face Fury in the past and still harbours that ambition, having drawn up a game plan for how he would tackle the British star.
However, he would gladly take on Usyk if the undefeated 37-year-old retained his WBC, WBO and WBA belts.
“If I fought Fury, it’s the same way [as Usyk] – let’s go on the attack,” Makhmudov said.
“Playing with Fury is impossible because he has a very high IQ. There is a way to come in and fight with him, and that’s it.
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Oleskandr Usyk tells Tyson Fury ‘don’t be afraid’ ahead of rematch
“If I have the chance to fight [Usyk]sure. Why not? We’ll go. I’ll do whatever I can do.”
The IBF belt, the last remaining major world title, is in the hands of Daniel Dubois, who was promoted from interim champion to full champion after Usyk relinquished the belt, and will defend the title against Anthony Joshua on September 21, live on Vscek Ticket Office.
Arslanbek expects Joshua to regain his first world heavyweight belt, which he won against Charles Martin in 2016.
“I think I would bet more on Joshua, because Joshua has more experience and even more boxing skills,” Makhmudov said.
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Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois were separated by security before their first press conference
“Dubois is a young and explosive guy, but I think Joshua has more experience.”
Makhmudov makes no secret of his world title ambitions, even though he knows he is among a handful of heavyweights below the division’s elite who are contending for the title.
Another surprising stoppage victory in this weekend’s bout with former World Series of Boxing opponent Guido Vianella for the man nicknamed “The Lion,” live on VscekIt would definitely force people to stop and pay attention.
But no matter what, Makhmudov is determined to face one of the world title holders as soon as possible.
“My goal is obviously to fight for the world title,” Makhmudov said. “That’s why we are here and I will do everything to get this fight.”
Watch Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Guido Vianello, live on Vscek Action from 1am on Sunday. Also stream with NOW.
