Arslanbek Makhmudov continues to punch his way into the conversations of heavyweight boxing.
The Russian was undefeated in 17 when entering the ring, knocking out all of those opponents other than veteran world title challenger, Carlos Takam.
He made it 18-0 in double quick time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia against Junior Anthony Wright, dropping the American with a right-hand-left-hook combination halfway through the first round.
Wright stood and convinced referee Steve Gray that he could fight on, but it was stopped quickly after when Makhmudov landed another huge right hook.
It’s the eleventh time the 6′ 5″ 260lb man has finished a fight inside the opening round.
Arslanbek Makhmudov gets it done in one! ☝️#BattleOfTheBaddest | #FuryNgannou | LIVE NOW on TNT Sports Box Office ▶️ https://t.co/FXWiFF9GtRpic.twitter.com/UH58FnF6m7
— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) October 28, 2023
The 34-year-old finds himself at number three with the WBC behind just Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder and champion Tyson Fury. Fans would like to see him step up in competition now. Speaking post-fight, he said he was avoided.
“Not everybody want to fight with me. My team have to make good work for organising a fight. Exactly [I will fight anybody.]”
In the fight prior, British prospect Moses Itauma also got a first round knockout. Martin Bakole demolished Takam in four rounds, and Jack McGann knockout out the son of Robert Duran in two.
It was all a preamble to Fury’s crossover contest with MMA star, Francis Ngannou.