Overview
- Arslanbek Makhmudov outpointed Dave Allen in Sheffield to claim the WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title, winning 115-111, 116-110 and 117-109 despite two point deductions for holding.
- After the victory Makhmudov publicly called for Anthony Joshua and said Joshua had given him his word to fight next year, a claim not independently confirmed.
- Eddie Hearn said Joshua’s comeback would be a low-level ‘run out’ if it happens this year and could be placed on an undercard, adding it is 50/50 whether he boxes before year-end with February also under consideration.
- Matchroom CEO Frank Smith cautioned that Makhmudov is not necessarily the front-runner for Joshua’s return opponent even as talks continue on options.
- Italy’s Guido Vianello also called out Joshua following his own KO win, while Joshua remains inactive since his September 2024 defeat to Daniel Dubois and is returning from May elbow surgery.