Rising heavyweight drive Arslanbek Makhmudov will face Junior Anthony Wright in a scheduled 10-round NABF title struggle on the undercard of WBC titlist Tyson Fury’s contest with MMA star Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.
Makhmudov had initially been tabbed to face Agron Smakici, just for the 6-foot-6 southpaw to withdraw for undisclosed causes. As an alternative the 34-year-old will now face a completely totally different proposition from the one he initially started coaching for.
“Our opponent modified and we additionally modified our preparation, we have now sufficient time,” Makhmudov (17-0, 16 knockouts) instructed The Ring. “We did good sparring from southpaw to orthodox, however it’s OK, we had sufficient preparation for that.
“I checked him out, it’s an excellent struggle. He fought high guys and he has good expertise, he’s quick and good motion. It’s going to be an excellent expertise for me.”
Makhmudov, who holds wins over aged former WBC titlist Samuel Peter (TKO 1) and former world title challengers Mariusz Wach (KO 6) and Carlos Takam (UD 10), impressed on his ESPN debut in July by taking Raphael Akpejiori’s unbeaten document in two-rounds.
The Montreal-based Russian fighter, who trains beneath the auspices of the well-regarded Marc Ramsay welcomes the chance to showcase his abilities on the most important stage.
“It’s a massive pleasure for me to struggle on this occasion,” he stated. “I feel Fury-Ngannou goes to be an excellent struggle but it surely’s Fury’s territory and for Ngannou it’s going to be a giant problem however nonetheless it’s going to be an intense struggle and I’m very completely happy to struggle [on the undercard.]”
Makhmudov, who’s each bit the trendy day heavyweight specimen standing 6-foot-5 and weighting a stable 260-pounds, is inching his manner towards a heavyweight title shot.
“After all, each struggle is a step to creating nearer to my goal,” he stated. “That’s why we do what we have now to do and transfer ahead and I attempt to do my finest.”
Makhmudov’s promoter, Camille Estephan of Eye of The Tiger, feels that is the proper alternative for his fighter to achieve mainstream consideration.
“Arslanbek has been ready to point out the world that he’s keen to tackle all comers and able to take the crown,” stated Estephan. “We now have been affected person going by way of the ranks but we all know he is able to take the throne. When the chance arises, we’ll take it.
“This struggle is of nice publicity which ought to assist present us that chance.”
Wright (20-4-1, 17 KOs) was an excellent novice profitable the Chicago Golden Gloves thrice earlier than turning skilled in 2011. The Illinois native gained his first 10-fights at cruiserweight earlier than combating Stivens Bujaj to a 10-round draw. Nonetheless, he misplaced three of his subsequent six, when he stepped up towards Rakhim Chakhkiev (KO 8), Beibut Shumenov (TKO 10) and Ruslan Fayfer (UD 12).
The 37-year-old has since crammed out right into a heavyweight. He was surprisingly stopped by journeyman Jon Jones (KO 2) however has since returned with two wins.
Makhmudov figures to be too massive and powerful for Wright, who could show to be difficult at occasions however finally Makhmudov will grind the American down and cease him earlier than the halfway level.
Makhmudov-Wright will likely be a co-feature to Tyson Fury-Francis Ngannou “Battle Of The Baddest” on ESPN Pay-Per-View starting at 2:00 p.m. ET/ 11:00 a.m. PT and on TNT Sports activities Field Workplace at 6:00 p.m.
Questions and/or feedback will be despatched to Anson at [email protected].
Comply with @AnsonWainwright
