Arslanbek Makhmudovs next opponent is

Akepjiori is Tyson Fury's size and a very hard puncher, with multiple first round KOs.

He's a high-risk, low-reward opponent for Makhmudov, who has world-class power but isn't difficult to hit. An upset is possible here.

 

He's huge yeah. I don't actually see an upset coming, I think Makhmudov is going to be too powerful and skilled, but it's summed up very nicely by what you said: high-risk, low-reward.

 

Could be a risky fight for the Mak. 6'8" and an unknown quantity. Dude must fancy the task.

 

I hope they don't use a tiny boxing ring for this fight this time. These big guys need space to move around, not take two steps back and hit the ropes.

 

First off Makhmudov doesn't have world class power. He has yet to knockout anybody worth mentioning. Second Akepijori has yet to face anybody worth mentioning either. Knocking out a bunch of stiff doesn't mean you are a legit puncher. I just typed this in another thread. Tye Field was 6'8 270 and has 25/26 first round knockouts. Is/was he a world class puncher? The answer is no, you to knockout somebody who is considered world class and has a good chin to be considered a world class puncher. Also this guy Makhmudov is fighting isn't even in the top 100. Which is why Makhmudov is fighting him.

 

No, it's because craven heavyweights like Tyson Fury and many other ranked contenders are afraid to fight him. Makhmudov is willing to fight anyone.

Makhmudov wanted to face Fury, but Fury chose old, shop-worn Chisora whom he already beat twice and presents no risk.

 

Raphael Akepjiori played basketball at the University of Miami, then switched to football and ended up trying out for the Dolphins. Late comer to boxing. He had a very short amateur career then turned pro around 28 years old. Generally speaking, guys who start that late don't go very far. Makhmudov will be a massive step up for him. Gut feeling is Akepjiori will be gone early in this one...

 

Um Makhmudov wants to fight Tyson Fury because he wants a pay day. Fury fought the much harder punching Wilder 3 times. Why would anybody be afraid to fight Makhmudov? This guy is 33 years old and has yet to step up unless you think a 40 year old Carlos Takam is a step up. Also you frequently see fighters call out other fighters. That doesn't mean they want to fight that person. They do it for show and to try to prove they aren't afraid.

The point is Makhmudov has yet to face anybody legit. The best fighter he faced was a old Takam and he couldn't stop him when even guys like Chisora who isn't really a huge puncher stopped Takam and Alexander Povetkin knocked a prime Takam out with ease.

 

If we are going to question Makhmudovs power based on not knocking out good fighters than the same should be true of Wilder. He hasn't kayoed good opponents either unless you rate Ortiz which many don't

 

some Nigerian binman with a padded record lol. I bet he's awful.

 

Getting prepared to KO Fury, Wilder and Joshua with this one.

 

Did this guy spar Usyk a couple of times?

I think he rated him.

 

Makhmudov wipes the floor with Akpejiori, Akpejiori is strong and has knockout power, but look at his last fight, I don't think Makhmudov will have any problems...

 

That makes Makhmudov the most active HW in the top 20 this year. Kind of sad for HW boxing.