Heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov will take the collar again by fighting his first professional fight in the United States of his career on July 1 in Toledo, Ohio against Nigerian Raphaël Akpejiori.
NABA and NABF champion in its category, the protégé of Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) will play in the semifinals of a gala that will be broadcast on the American network ESPN + with Jared Anderson and Zhan Kossobutskiy. In this 10-round duel, Makhmudov (16-0-0, 15 KOs) will have a lot to do against an equally undefeated competitor. However, the opportunity to make a good first impression in Uncle Sam’s country is significant and he doesn’t want to miss it.
“Fighting for the first time in the United States, the Mecca of boxing, represents a great opportunity for me, not only because it gives me the opportunity to showcase my talent on the world stage, but also because it brings me closer brings together My dream of becoming world champion. I dedicated my life to boxing, I worked hard and made all the sacrifices to reach this pivotal moment in my career. I’m ready. I am ready to face the best and bring a memorable show to boxing fans around the world,” he said in a statement.
Akpejiori (15-0-0, 14 KOs), for his part, at 6ft 8″ and 260lbs has nothing to envy to his opponent’s relatively similar physique. Of all his opponents, four were still standing after the first attack and only the veteran Terrell Jamal Woods lasted the entire duel.
“I’ve prepared myself physically and mentally and I can’t wait for the bell to ring to show the whole world what Raphaël Akpejiori is all about. I don’t expect this fight to be easy, but I’ve been preparing for it for a long time. I’m used to working hard. I’m used to adversity, obstacles and pain, he said. It’s just a new chapter and I’m more than ready. It is an opportunity to represent the African continent on a global scale and I do not intend to disappoint you.”
Makhmudov defeated Michael Wallisch in Round 1 in his last appearance in December. He is ranked fifth in the world in the WBC.
Other actors of the evening
Additionally, DeAndre Ware (15-4-2, 9 KOs) will fight his first fight since losing to Christian Mbilli in the second round in September 2022.
Olympic boxers Delante Johnson (8-0-0, 5 KOs), Dante Benjamin (6-0-0, 4 KOs), Husam Al Mashhadi (6-0-0, 5 KOs) and Jahi Auch Tucker (10-0-0, 5 KOs) will take part in the evening.