After his points defeat to Tyson Fury, Arslanbek Makhmudov talks about the fight and possible next opponents.
Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov has told Box Sport that he believes Tyson Fury is one of the best fighters in the world after facing the two-time former world champion in a direct face-off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium two weeks ago. Makhmudov lost the fight in London clearly on points by unanimous decision, but looks back on his performance with a certain amount of pride and emphasizes that he gave Fury “a good fight”.
“I had three fights in ten months, two of which went the full twelve rounds,” said Makhmudov in an interview with Box-Sport. “My trainer Marc Ramsay knew what happened a month before the fight – I had Covid and was out of training for a week. He was obviously worried about me and my performance. I think with the condition I was in for this fight it wasn’t bad. He was a bit upset with me, but not too much.”
Makhmudov (21-3, 19 knockouts) has built the majority of his career in his adopted hometown of Montreal, Canada under the Eye of the Tiger banner. “To box against one of the best fighters in history and give him a good fight – I think they are happy, but of course they would have been even happier if I had won,” explained Makhmudov. “I came to win, not just for the purse. I gave everything for that. I always go all out to win and I gave Fury a tough test.” Makhmudov added. “It’s really great. I like the people, I like the fans. The fans in the UK are crazy – the best in the world. They really love boxing.” The Russian contender also hinted that he wants to return to the ring in November. He named fights against Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder as his preferred options.