Anthony Joshua vs Arslanbek Makhmudov fight

Anthony Joshua vs Arslanbek Makhmudov fight

Anthony Joshua has reportedly agreed to a fight with Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov, who is known not just for his boxing but for some unconventional training methods—such as wrestling bears and absorbing sledgehammer blows to his torso. The fight is pending Makhmudov’s win over British boxer Dave Allen, which is scheduled soon.

Makhmudov, towering at about 6ft 5in, has built a reputation for being physically imposing and unorthodox. His career began with an 18-fight winning streak, but recent losses to Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello have dented his standing. Still, he remains confident and is pushing to reclaim momentum.

For Joshua, this seems part of the plan for a comeback. After his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, he has been evaluating possible opponents for early 2026 and weighing the demands for a high-profile return. The possibility of staging the fight in Africa, including Nigeria, has also been floated by his team.

If the fight goes ahead, it could be seen as stylistically and psychologically interesting. Makhmudov’s bear-wrestling and sledgehammer routines help cultivate toughness, but Joshua is experienced, well known for power and resilience, even in adversity. The bout would test how ready Joshua is to face someone with a strange but formidable blend of physicality and spectacle.

There are some caveats. Nothing has been officially confirmed by Joshua’s promoter, and details like fight location, contract terms, and whether the fight will be sanctioned at championship level are still being worked out. Fans should watch for official announcements confirming whether Joshua truly “agreed” or whether it’s still talk contingent on Makhmudov’s performance.

In summary, Joshua vs. Makhmudov is a possibility contingent on Makhmudov beating Dave Allen. If it happens, it would mark one of Joshua’s comeback opportunities, pitting him against a heavily hyped opponent with extraordinary training methods.