As we make our final preparations for Christmas, Arslanbek Makhmudov will find himself in a ring on December 23rd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The boxer of Russian origin (18-0-0, 17 KOs) faces German heavyweight Agit Kabayel (23-0-0, 15 KOs), where he defeated junior Anthony Wright in the first round less than two months ago.
“We were offered this fight, which was very close to the previous one, but we wanted to take this chance to be seen and take part in the discussions,” summarized coach Marc Ramsay.
“Arslanbek wanted to go on vacation after the first fight, but we explained the situation to him and wanted to keep the name alive. We decided to try again until Christmas and he will rest after that.”
Serious opponent
With both big men undefeated, one of them should normally go home with a first professional loss, but it won't be Makhmudov.
“Every fight is important, but this one represents an important step and could allow me to get closer to a championship fight,” concluded the Russian, who was economical with his words.
“To be honest, even though he has 23 professional fights, I have more experience than him, I also have my entire amateur career. He's at a good level, but I'm at a different level.
Marc Ramsay still warns that Kabayel is a serious opponent.
“We are reaching a new peak. He is a good technician, he has good rights, he is already beaten [Derek] Chisora is serious. So far he is the most complete opponent we have ever faced.”
Popular
Makhmudov probably delivered the most interesting performance at the gala on October 28th in Riyadh. So it's no surprise that he's already back.
“Saudi Arabia is becoming a major tournament for heavyweights,” says Marc Ramsay. Everyone is invited to the dance.
“Everything will happen quickly. There will be a lot of repeat fights in Saudi Arabia and the heavyweights will be encouraged to fight each other.”
The coach casually points out that we no longer select Makhmudov's opponents, he now receives offers.
“We have reached a zone where fights are offered to us, we no longer really choose the opponent, even on a financial level, we no longer really have to choose.”
the atmosphere
Boxing is a party atmosphere in Riyadh and Makhmudov was thrilled, as was legendary promoter Bob Arum.
“I was impressed because people there know me. Someone asked Bob Arum what he thought of the organization and he said he had never seen anything like it.”
Let Marc Ramsay tell an anecdote about Arum to explain how Makhmudov is perceived in Saudi Arabia.
“Bob mentioned at dinner that Arslanbek was really far from home and wanted to take him back to Canada or the United States, and the Saudi prince said, 'No, he's boxing here on December 23rd, that's the end of the story .”
“You have to understand that he is Muslim and that they want their identity to be represented on their cards.”