Arslanbek Makhmudov part of ‘heavyweight renaissance’ as Russians aim for world title | Boxing News
Arslanbek Makhmudov’s knockout put him on the radar of Top Rated president Todd duBoef, whose goal now is to guide the fearsome heavyweight towards a world title.
The undefeated 33-year-old, nicknamed the ‘Lion’, stopped all 14 of his opponents, helping him land 5th in the world championship title as he finished 5th with WBC and NO 6 with WBA.
Makhmudov recently signed a multi-year advertising deal with Top Rank, and DuBoef has revealed how the ad agency perceives its competitors’ threatening reputations.
“My matchmakers had him on our radar screens for a long time, really liked what he could do, his pedigree,” DuBoef told Sky Sports.
“They loved his style, thought he had the physicality and that he would be in a position too.
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Could Arslanbek Makhmudov be a real threat to Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in the heavyweight division?
“He has a little more experience [fellow Top Rank heavyweight] Jared [Anderson] about the job he had.
“I think you’ll see him in the next 12 months really make some strides.”
The top rating has fueled the recent bouts of Tyson Fury, the current WBC champion, while they also work with exciting contenders like Anderson, Efe Ajagba and Sonny Conto.
DuBoef added: “Knowing you have a basket of really good babies coming out is very exciting, it’s invigorating, it’s ‘what next?’.
“I remember when I first started the business, it was ‘what after Tyson?’ You’re so lucky to have (Lennox) Lewis, (Evander) Holyfield, all of those who were there.
“There’s a heavy renaissance going on and I think [they are] breastfeed each other. These are the young prospects we will see in the future – exciting times. “
Canada-based Makhmudov will defend his NABF belt against Carlos Takam on Friday night at Cabaret du Casino de Montreal, as part of a promotional deal with Camille Estephan.
“I am fortunate to work with the top promoters in the world,” says Makhmudov. “This represents an important step towards achieving my goal of becoming world champion.”
“Arslanbek Makhmudov has real heavyweight knockout power, and at 6’6 and 260 pounds, he’s a natural power inside the ring,” said Top Rank President Bob Arum.
“I look forward to working with Camille and his team at the Eye of the Tiger to help Arslanbek achieve his dream of becoming a world heavyweight champion.”
