British-Nigeria heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua has agreed in principle to face Russian contender Arslanbek Makhmudov in 2026.
Makhmudov, who stands 6ft 5in tall, revealed during an interview with Boxing News that Joshua responded positively after a brief exchange on Instagram. The Russian, nicknamed “The Lion,” said their conversation was friendly but hinted at something bigger on the horizon.
“Yeah, we just spoke a little bit on Instagram,” Makhmudov said. “Just friendly, you know. And I offered him as a next fight, he said, ‘Okay, next year then. Next year we can do it.’”
The Montreal-based fighter faces British veteran Dave Allen this weekend in Sheffield but already has his sights set on Joshua. For him, the fight carries a personal edge.
“It’s a good opportunity. We had a bit of a story in the amateurs. He lost to guys in the European championship and the world championship, I beat those two guys. For me, it’s interesting,” he said.
Joshua, who has been out of the ring since losing to Daniel Dubois at Wembley last September, is expected to make his return early next year, with talks ongoing for a comeback fight in Nigeria.
Promoter Dr Ezekiel Adamu, who co-organised the Chaos in the Ring event in Lagos with former world champion Amir Khan, confirmed that plans are being discussed for Joshua’s long-awaited homecoming.
Meanwhile, Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole has also thrown his name into the mix, calling for what he described as a “Rumble in the Jungle II.”
“I’d take the fight with Anthony Joshua in a heartbeat,” Bakole told Sky Sports. “He knows what happened in sparring. If we get in the ring, I’m going to knock him out, without doubt.”
