Arslanbek Makhmudov has vowed to do 'everything' to secure a fight with unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Yusik will resume his rivalry with Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia on December 21, following a fight in Riyadh in May, where the Ukrainian won via split decision to become the first undefeated heavyweight champion in 25 years.
Mahmudov is confident the second fight will be equally as intense, but he expects Fury to have learned a lot from their first fight after suffering a nasty knockout from Usyk in the ninth round.
“It was a tight fight until Fury fell (to the ropes),” Makhmudov said. Sky Sports. “It was a tight fight before, but Yusik is a problem for all heavyweights.
“He's really fast and the second is footwork. He's got good cardio and so I don't know where the second fight is going to go.
“It might be interesting, but Fury is a smart guy and he'll know what he needs to do and what he needs to fix.”
Since turning pro in 2017, Mahmudov has been out of world title contention with a record of 19-1, and his 18 defenses back up his reputation as a power hitter.
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Tyson Fury claims his fight with Oleksandr Usyk was 'too easy' despite suffering his first pro loss.
The 35-year-old Russian from Montreal, Canada, has made no secret of his desire to face Fury in the past and still harbors that ambition, having drawn up a game plan for how he would tackle the British star.
However, he would be willing to take on Yusik if it meant the undefeated 37-year-old would hold the WBC, WBO and WBA belts.
“If I fought Fury, it would be like going on the offensive (like Usyk),” Mahmudov said.
“It's impossible to play with Fury. He has a very high IQ. There's only one way to fight 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 (Woo-sik), of course. Why not? We'll go. I'll do everything I can.”
The IBF belt is the last remaining major world title and is in the hands of Daniel Dubois, who was upgraded from interim champion to full champion after Usyk vacated the belt, and he will defend it against Anthony Joshua on September 21. Sky Sports Box Office.
Arslanbek is hoping Joshua can reclaim his first heavyweight world title belt, which he won against Charles Martin in 2016.
“I think it would be better to choose Joshua because he has more experience and better boxing skills,” said Mahmudov.
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Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois were dragged away by security ahead of their first press conference.
“Dubois is a young, explosive player, but I think Joshua is more experienced.”
Mahmudov makes no secret of his world title ambitions, but he knows he is one of the heavyweights who lags behind the elite in his weight class.
Another stunning late win over former World Series of Boxing opponent Guido Vianella was live on TV this weekend for the man nicknamed 'The Lion'. Sky SportsIt will make people take notice and pay attention.
But no matter what, Mahmudov is determined to face one of the world champions sooner rather than later.
“Of course my goal is to fight for the world title,” Makhmudov said. “That’s why we’re here, and I’ll give everything for this fight.”
Watch Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Guido Vianello live on Sky Sports Action from 1am on Sunday. Also stream it on NOW.
