Matchroom CEO on Joshua’s Future: Could He Face Makhmudov?

Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith discussed whether Arslanbek Makhmudov is on the list of potential opponents for Anthony Joshua. Earlier, the Russian fighter claimed Joshua had responded positively to his messages on Instagram about a possible fight.

“Makhmudov isn’t exactly the frontrunner. Look, we’ll be working with Arslanbek on what comes next and doing everything we can to give him big opportunities. He deserves them.

But as I’ve said before, this is a very fluid sport. He loses to Agit Kabayel and people say, ‘Oh, he’s done.’ But Kabayel is a top-five heavyweight, so we’ll keep pushing forward.

Still, he’s not necessarily the favorite to face Anthony Joshua. AJ is on his own path. I know Makhmudov wants to fight him — but we all want something,” said Smith.

Makhmudov (20-2, 19 KOs) won his last fight by decision over Dave Allen, while Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) is preparing to return after his loss to Daniel Dubois and subsequent elbow surgery.