Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua remain two of the biggest names in the heavyweight division, with clear targets on their backs for any man looking to make a statement as the next big thing.
Fury remains undefeated in his campaign, a two-time heavyweight champion who is just one fight away from challenging to become the first undisputed titlist in the division since Lennox Lewis.
That was always a goal of Joshua’s, who now has three losses to his name and is currently out of the title picture.
What both men have in common other than their nationality and superstardom is that fans want to see them fight more often and against genuine threats.
One man who could be considered as such is undefeated wrecking ball, Arslanbek Makhmudov.
The 17-0 heavyweight has ended all but one of his contests by stoppage, and an impressive 13 inside the first two rounds. He recently told Sporting Icons that he wanted the Brits on a record that is so far lacking big names.
“I like the fight with Tyson Fury for sure. And Joshua I like also. I’d like to fight these guys – that’s why I’m here … Listen, when I go in the ring my goal is destroy. It’s not a secret. It’s my goal. It’s my nature. For me, it’s not a game.”
Makhmudov will be fighting along side Fury next, albeit much further down the card.
Before the WBC Champion takes on Francis Ngannou in his crossover bout on October 28, the Russian will sharpen his tools against 19-2 Agron Smakici.
The Croatian southpaw has 18 knockouts from 20 wins, but has lost each time he has stepped up to fringe level. Should Makhmudov come through as expected, fans would like to see him in with a more challenging opponent should he want to, at 34, actually fight these top names he mentions.