Anthony Joshua is expected to return to the ring in early 2026 and according to reports, his opponent could be Russian giant Arslanbek Makhmudov - a boxer known for extreme training, where he even faces bears and takes hammer blows to the stomach to strengthen his body.
Joshua has not boxed since a heavy knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September last year – the fourth and heaviest defeat of his career to date. In that time, the former Olympic champion has undergone elbow surgery and is still hoping for his much-anticipated “Battle of Britain” showdown with Tyson Fury.
However, after a long absence, his return is expected to occur against a "lighter" opponent, and in this case the most talked about name is Makhmudov.
The 34-year-old Russian boxer, 1.96 m tall, had achieved 18 consecutive wins (17 by knockout) before being defeated by Agit Kabayel in December 2023, while he suffered another loss to Guido Vianello in August 2024, which significantly reduced his market value.
Footage shared on social media shows Makhmudov training with extreme methods: wrestling with a bear and receiving hammer blows to the stomach from members of his team.
This weekend he faces Dave Allen in Sheffield - a fight that could decide his future. Allen, known as "The White Rhino", has returned to form with two consecutive wins over Jonny Fisher and is aiming for a big showdown with Deontay Wilder if he prevails.
Ahead of the fight, Allen told "Seconds Out" that Makhmudov has been identified as Joshua's potential opponent, should he defeat him this Saturday.
"Joshua will fight Makhmudov if he beats me. If I win, I don't think I'll have that opportunity. I think Joshua sees Makhmudov as more of a threat, so that fight could happen," Allen said.
Meanwhile, Makhmudov has confirmed to "talkSPORT" that he has had communication with Joshua, and that they have even agreed to box if he emerges victorious in Sheffield.
"Joshua told me on Instagram: if I win this fight, we fight next year. Inshallah, it will happen," Makhmudov said.
A showdown between Joshua and the Russian "beast" would attract huge attention from the boxing world - especially if Makhmudov manages to restore his reputation this weekend. /Telegraph/
