Arslanbek Makhmudov’s string of knockout victories put him on Top Rank President Todd duBoef’s “radar,” and his current goal is to lead the intimidating heavyweight Renaissance toward a world championship.
As the unbeaten 33-year-old “Lion,” who is ranked No. 5 by the WBC and No. 6 by the WBA, has stopped all 14 of his opponents, he is within striking distance of a world title fight.
Recently, Top Rank and Arslanbek Makhmudov agreed to a multi-year co-promoting agreement, and DuBoef explained how the promotional firm learned about the challenger’s ominous reputation.
“My matchmakers have him on our radar screen for a long time, really liked what he can do, his pedigree,” DuBoef told Sky Sports.
“They love his style, think he’s physically tough and he’s going to be at a position too.
“He’s had a little more experience than [fellow Top Rank heavyweight] Jared [Anderson] on the body of work he’s had.
“I think you’ll see him in the next 12 months really make some strides.”
Tyson Fury, the current WBC champion, has recently had fights promoted by Top Rank, and they also work with other exciting contenders like Anderson, Efe Ajagba, and Sonny Conto.
DuBoef added: “Knowing you have a basket of really good young kids coming up is exciting, it’s invigorating, it’s ‘what’s next?’.
“I remember when I first came into the business it was ‘what’s after Tyson?’ You were fortunate you had (Lennox) Lewis, (Evander) Holyfield, all these guys that were there.
“There’s a heavyweight renaissance happening and I think [they are] feeding each other. These are the young prospects we’ll see going forward – exciting times.”
As part of his co-promotional agreement with Camille Estephan, Canadian Makhmudov will defend his NABF title against Carlos Takam on Friday night at the Cabaret du Casino de Montreal.
“I’m fortunate to work with the top promoters in the world,” Makhmudov said. “This represents an important step toward achieving my goal of becoming a world champion.”
“Arslanbek Makhmudov has true heavyweight knockout power, and at 6’6 and 260 pounds, he is a force of nature inside the ring,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.
“I look forward to working with Camille and his team at Eye of the Tiger to help Arslanbek achieve his dream of becoming heavyweight champion of the world.”
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