Why Oleksandr Usyk Is More Than Capable Of Moving Up & Dominating The Heavyweight Division.

It's also easy to miss as it happens immediately after the referee stopped the action to administer a standing count to Brechlin and his cornerman isn't on camera when he gestures to the ref that he wants to pull him out.

Yeah he's huge and possesses frightening power. He's good friends with Beterbiev so that's why he ventured over to Moose Land lol



In recent years, we have seen the arrival of several Russian boxers on the Quebec scene. The next on the list is the heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov.

The 6'5 "and 260lb colossus has had a variable stay in Montreal since last year. It all started with a month of evaluation where coach Marc Ramsay was able to confirm Makhmudov's potential during rigorous sessions.

During these weeks, the two men tamed each other and they agreed that an association between them was possible. As is always the case for Ramsay's protégés, Makhmudov has a verbal agreement with his coach

"It was Artur Beterbiev who recommended me to come to Quebec," said Makhmudov through a translator. In addition to Artur, other people have also praised the quality of life here. They told me that I could be fine here, and that's the case so far. "

With a strong amateur career with Russia's national team, Makhmudov made the leap into the semi-professional World Series of Boxing (WSB) circuit. Between 2011 and 2016, he posted a 13-3 record, including seven knockout wins.

When leaving the WSB, Makhmudov was at the heart of a 12-game winning streak. Is it a taste of what it could deliver in the next few years?

"The WSB is a nice transition between amateurs and pros," said Ramsay. As with my other boxers, I aim for the summit with him. Nothing less.

"There is no doubt about his potential and his athletic abilities. His path to big fights may not be as fast as Artur's, but we will not be the brakes either. "

Baptism

The 28-year-old pugilist will have the chance to showcase his skills for the first time on December 8 at a gala event in Ontario. For the occasion, he will cross the line with the Slovak David Vyletel (5-2, 2 KOs) in a four-round duel.

However, his debut could have been done last year, but he could not get along with a Quebec promoter.

"I had discussions with GYM, but we were not able to agree," said Makhmudov. I also had some offers to go fight in the United States, but I refused them all. I did not trust the people who approached me. "

It was Beterbiev who represented his interests in the negotiations with Yvon Michel in the last months of 2016 and the first of 2017. Coincidence or not, it was during this period that the business relationship between Beterbiev and Michel began to take shape. deteriorate.

To return to Makhmudov, he has confidence to be in the top 10 world in a relatively fast time.

"I see myself in the elite heavyweight very soon," said the colossus. I already beat one who has already defeated Anthony Joshua by knockout. At the amateur level, I beat the best and that's why I'm confident I can do the same with the pros. "

A big brother in Beterbiev

Arslanbek Makhmudov and Artur Beterbiev were teammates on Russia's national team. However, the relationship goes further than the sports setting.

"We've known each other for a number of years. For me, it's like a big brother, "said the heavyweight.

Since his arrival in Montreal, Beterbiev has given him a boost to acclimate to the North American way of life. And it's going pretty well.

"I do not have a younger brother and I like to share experiences with him," Beterbiev said. I have the same type of relationship as with Vislan Dalkhaev.

"I give my heart to these two guys because I want them to achieve their goals of becoming a world champion like me. I have no doubt that they will be able to realize their dream because we have one of the best teams in the world. And my belt is there to prove it. "

As for Makhmudov, the new IBF light heavyweight champion sees some good things in him.

"His career will depend on him because he has all the tools in his hands," said Beterbiev. He just has to work hard at training. "

In the playground

It was in a schoolyard that Makhmudov discovered he had affinities with boxing.

"I really enjoyed fighting with other boys during recess," said the pugilist. I was average, but I was one of the youngest in my group. Seeing that I had a lot of energy to spend, my uncle decided to take me to a gym. He wanted me to let off steam. "

Without knowing it, this incursion would become a way of life for him.


I like especially like this part

"I also had some offers to go fight in the United States, but I refused them all. I did not trust the people who approached me. "