Arslanbek Makhmudov has vowed to do ‘the whole lot he can’ to safe a combat towards unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk will renew his rivalry with Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia on December 21 following their Could showdown in Riyadh which noticed the Ukrainian change into the primary undisputed heavyweight champion for 25 years after a split-decision win.
Makhmudov has little doubt will probably be simply as hard-fought the second time round, though he expects Fury to have learnt from the primary bout after he was badly damage by Usyk within the ninth spherical.
“It was a close fight until Fury got knocked down [into the ropes],” Makhmudov informed Sky Sports activities. “Before that it was a close fight, but Usyk is a problem for any heavyweight.
“He’s so quick and the second factor is the footwork. He has good cardio and that is why the second combat, I do not know the place it goes.
“It will be interesting, but Fury is a smart guy and will understand what he has to do and what he has to fix.”
Makhmudov has been on the fringes of world title rivalry after compiling a 19-1 file since turning skilled in 2017, with 18 stoppages underlining his hard-hitting popularity.
The 35-year-old Russian, who bins out of Montreal in Canada, has made no secret of his want to face Fury prior to now and nonetheless harbours that ambition, having visualised a recreation plan of how he would tackle the British star.
Nevertheless, he would fortunately tackle a conflict with Usyk if the unbeaten 37-year-old retains the WBC, WBO and WBA belts.
“If I fought Fury, it’s the same way [as Usyk] – go to attack,” Makhmudov mentioned.
“Enjoying with Fury, it is unattainable as a result of he has an excellent IQ. There’s one method to go in and combat with him, and that is it.
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Oleskandr Usyk tells Tyson Fury ‘do not be afraid’ forward of rematch
“If I have a chance to fight [Usyk], of course. Why not? We’ll go. I will do everything I can do.”
The IBF belt, the final remaining main world title, is within the palms of Daniel Dubois, who was upgraded from interim to full champion after Usyk relinquished the belt, and he defends the title towards Anthony Joshua on September 21, stay on Sky Sports activities Field Workplace.
Arslanbek absolutely expects Joshua to regain the primary heavyweight world title belt he gained towards Charles Martin in 2016.
“I think I would go more with Joshua, because Joshua has more experience and even more boxing skills,” Makhmudov mentioned.
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Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois have been pulled aside by safety forward of their first press convention
“Dubois is a young, explosive guy, but I think Joshua has more experience.”
Makhmudov makes no secret of his world title ambitions, though is aware of he’s amongst a crop of heavyweights beneath the division’s elite jostling to power their method into the championship image.
One other gorgeous stoppage victory on this weekend’s match-up with former World Sequence of Boxing opponent Guido Vianella for the person nicknamed ‘The Lion’, stay on Sky Sports activities, will surely power individuals to take a seat up and take discover.
No matter it takes although, Makhmudov is set to be taking over one of many world title holders sooner reasonably than later.
“It is my goal, of course, to fight for the world title,” Makhmudov mentioned. “That’s why we’re here and I will do everything to get this fight.”
Watch Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Guido Vianello, stay on Sky Sports activities Motion from 1am on Sunday. Additionally stream with NOW.
