Friday, October 10, 2025 - Anthony Joshua’s return fight next year could be against Arslanbek Makhmudov, the towering Russian who trains for his fights by wrestling bears and taking sledgehammer shots to the gut.
Joshua has not fought since his knockout loss to Daniel
Dubois in September last year.
In the 12 months away from the ring, the former Olympian has
undergone elbow surgery with hopes he and Tyson Fury can still meet in a long
overdue Battle of Britain.
But after an extended period out of the ring, the two-time
heavyweight champion is expected to return against a lower-key
opponent in early 2026.
Makhmudov is one of the most fearsome-looking fighters
operating in the heavyweight division, fighting his way to 18 straight
victories until he was halted by Agit Kabayel in December 2023.
Standing at 6ft 5in, Makhmudov is a terrifying
prospect.
Footage on Makhmudov’s Instagram account shows the giant
grappling with a bear, also having members of his team take turns hitting him
in the stomach with sledgehammers as part of his conditioning training.
Speaking ahead of fight night on Saturday, Allen
told Seconds Out he believes Makhmudov has been identified as Joshua’s
next opponent if he beats him.
Asked why the opportunity to fight Joshua might not come his
way even in the event of putting away the big Russian, Allen added:
"Because Makhmudov is a much scarier looking guy than me. He might look
more of a threat. That’s what I think happens if the result goes that
way."
Makhmudov has also been in contact with Joshua, claiming the
two have agreed a fight if he leaves Sheffield with a win this weekend.
"I hope I will get a good opportunity with the next
win," he told talkSPORT.com. “By the way, Joshua told me on Instagram
that if I win this fight, then I will fight with him. He said next year we can
do it, Inshallah.”
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