Overview

• Makhmudov faces Dave Allen on Saturday at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, live on DAZN.
• He says an Instagram exchange with Anthony Joshua included a tentative offer to meet next year if he wins this bout.
• Allen has suggested that a Makhmudov victory would likely lead to a Joshua matchup, whereas an Allen win probably would not.
• Makhmudov, 36, owns an 86% knockout rate with 19 stoppages in 22 wins but has seen momentum dip after defeats to Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello.
• Joshua has not fought since a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois and is eyeing January or February 2026 for his comeback, with multiple opponents under review.