Arslanbek Mahmudov hopes a win over Dave Allen will earn him a spot in the fight against Anthony Joshua in 2026.
Joshua’s team plans to box AJ once, possibly twice, before a matchup against one of the division’s biggest names next summer.
Mahmudov earned a landslide unanimous decision victory over Allen in Sheffield at the weekend.
With no opponent yet announced for Joshua’s return fight, Mahmudov believes he can compete.
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Watch highlights from Arslanbek Makhmudov’s dominant TKO win over Raphael Akpejiori
Makhmudov’s promoter Camille Estephan wants Joshua next.
“Obviously I think it’s going to be a great fight,” Estefan said. sky sports.
“Arslanbek showed against Allen that he’s more than capable of nuclear power, but the question is whether AJ can handle Makhmudov’s power. I think a lot of fans want to know.”
A powerful puncher, Makhmudov has fought at a high level with losses to current WBC interim titlist Agit Kabayel and Olympian Guido Vianello.
Makhmudov called out the former world champion after defeating Allen. “Anthony Joshua, where are you? I’m coming to find you.
“I already spoke to him and he promised that he will fight me next year. I am ready.”
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Eddie Hearn has told Sky Sports News’ John Dennen that a fight between Anthony Josua and Tyson Fury is ‘hopeful’.
AJ wants to be active
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said: sky sports: “If (AJ) fights this year it will be a complete bust. He won’t be a top 15 fighter,” the promoter continued. “He will have two fights before Tyson Fury if possible, or one in February.
“We haven’t decided on anything specific yet, but he wants to be active.”
