A first “face-to-face” took place on Thursday between Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov and his German opponent Agit Kabayel, two days before their fight, which will take place in Saudi Arabia.
There is no denying that Makhmudov (18-0-0, 17 KOs), who has lived in Montreal for several years, exhibited a sinister demeanor that did not bode well for Kabayel (23-0-0, 15 KOs). promised. , although this is undoubtedly the biggest challenge of the Russian stunner's career to date.
“I will do everything to win, to destroy it,” assured the Russian in a short interview with the YouTube channel iFL TV.
“Of course he is a good opponent,” he added. He’s experienced, he’s good, all that, but it’s time for me to face a rival like that.”
Kabayel, an undefeated 31-year-old boxer who has beaten some renowned heavyweights, is also expecting the toughest fight of his career.
“This is perhaps the biggest challenge of my career, he said at a press conference on Thursday. I respect Arslanbek, he is a good opponent, he is a strong guy. I think that is also his biggest challenge. We’ll see that on Saturday evening.”
Two fights in two months
Makhmudov, who clearly prefers to stay active rather than wait long periods between fights, will step into the ring for the second time in less than two months after defeating junior Anthony Wright in another clash in Saudi Arabia, where he won the Guy appreciates well.
“Saudi Arabia is becoming a big tournament for heavyweights, everyone is invited to the dance,” his coach Marc Ramsay told the Journal de Montréal a few days ago.
And good news for the Makhmudov clan, which has been trying to get closer to a world championship fight for years, is that it is becoming less and less difficult to find good opponents who don't mind the thought of falling into the hands of the Makhmudov clan makes Russian tyrant.
“We have reached a zone where fights are offered to us, we no longer really choose the opponent. Even on a monetary level, we don’t really have to choose anymore,” Ramsay said.
Makhmudov will step into the ring on Saturday in Riyadh as part of a gala event also attended by some of the world's top heavyweights including Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Joseph Parker and Daniel Dubois.