Joshua vs Makhmudov

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by Redbeard7, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:16 PM.


Who wins?

This poll will close on Oct 18, 2025 at 3:16 PM.

  1. Joshua

    35 vote(s)
    87.5%

  2. Makhmudov

    5 vote(s)
    12.5%
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  1. Redbeard7

    Redbeard7 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Hearn has said that Joshua's comeback opponent "won't be in the top 15" so we can safely assume an opponent who is outside the top 25 or top 30. Coming off a life and death 12 round war with gimmick journeyman Dave Allen, Makhmudov fits the bill.

    On paper Joshua is a clear favourite. But he's been inactive since September 2024, when he was beaten up badly and KO'd in 5 by Dubois and he will be 36 years old. Makhmudov will have a go early on and has a big punch.
     
    Redbeard7, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:16 PM
    Redbeard7, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:16 PM
    #1
    Badbot likes this.
  2. 81ZAR

    81ZAR Dr. Steelhammer Full Member

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    Jul 28, 2018
    I think Mak gets Ngannou'd, and probably earlier too.

    Mak is entertaining and a nice guy and all, but if he lasts more than a round with Joshua, I would be SHOCKED.
     
    81ZAR, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:21 PM
    81ZAR, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:21 PM
    #2
    Reinhardt likes this.
  3. Usyk is the best

    Usyk is the best Active Member Full Member

    686
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    Feb 12, 2023
    AJ by early knockout
     
    Usyk is the best, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:23 PM
    Usyk is the best, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:23 PM
    #3
    81ZAR likes this.
  4. CST80

    CST80 De Omnibus Dubitandum Staff Member

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    If Makh goes balls to the walls from the opening bell, a KO1 victory isn't out of the question, he has to power to violently chin AJ. But if he plays it safe and tries to outbox him, which he'll probably do, AJ by horrific Helenius style KO between 4-6.
     
    CST80, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:24 PM
    CST80, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:24 PM
    #4
    TheBestBoxName, Aint no stoppin, Power_tek and 4 others like this.
  5. TipNom

    TipNom Active Member Full Member

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    Jun 19, 2019
    If Joshua has anything left he should stop Makhmudov early. If not, then there's a chance Makhmudov just goes for it and lands something to take him out.
     
    TipNom, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:37 PM
    TipNom, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:37 PM
    #5
    Mickc likes this.
  6. Redbeard7

    Redbeard7 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Oct 9, 2022
    In fairness to Makhmudov's chances, Joshua has had a lot of trouble with bigger HW's:

    - Breazeale took him 7

    - 41 Wlad put him down heavily and was his hardest ever win by far

    - 39 Helenius took him 7, busted him up

    - Dubois battered and KO'd him in 5

    - Fights with Fury, Wilder and even David Price never materialised/were avoided
     
    Redbeard7, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:42 PM
    Redbeard7, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:42 PM
    #6
  7. Shootlow

    Shootlow Active Member Full Member

    502
    567
    Jun 29, 2016
    I dont think Mach will trouble AJ at all and I fancy AJ does a demolition job on him before the halfway mark.
     
    Shootlow, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:43 PM
    Shootlow, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:43 PM
    #7
  8. MarkusFlorez99

    MarkusFlorez99 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    15,052
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    Jan 13, 2021
    Makhmudov is a bum and he still has a good chance here.
     
    MarkusFlorez99, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:44 PM
    MarkusFlorez99, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:44 PM
    #8
    MorvidusStyle, CroBox29, TheBestBoxName and 2 others like this.
  9. roughdiamond

    roughdiamond Ridin' the rails... Full Member

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    Jul 25, 2015
    Maks one chance would be to storm out immediately with all guns blazing. No way he's avoiding AJs right hand otherwise.

    If AJ lost this one he'd have to retire immediately.
     
    roughdiamond, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:45 PM
    roughdiamond, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:45 PM
    #9
    TipNom, Mickc, TheBestBoxName and 2 others like this.
  10. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

    81,914
    22,097
    Sep 15, 2009
    You're trying to hard to justify the matchup.

    Makh has the WBA intercontinental. Its a comeback fight. No more. No less.
     
    lufcrazy, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:46 PM
    lufcrazy, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:46 PM
    #10
  11. TSoprano

    TSoprano Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Sep 26, 2014
    Joshua KO1

    Mak is way too slow
     
    TSoprano, Oct 11, 2025 at 4:02 PM
    TSoprano, Oct 11, 2025 at 4:02 PM
    #11
    81ZAR likes this.
  12. Ice8Cold

    Ice8Cold The Hype Job Spotter. Full Member

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    Jan 1, 2024
    Makh can be a fast starter which any HW especially AJ hates, but AJ really should counter Makhmudov badly quickly enough.

    My prediction hasn't changed from before the fight - AJ early KO from a massive counter.
     
    Ice8Cold, Oct 11, 2025 at 4:04 PM
    Ice8Cold, Oct 11, 2025 at 4:04 PM
    #12
    Reinhardt, Kiwi Fish and 81ZAR like this.
  13. Ice8Cold

    Ice8Cold The Hype Job Spotter. Full Member

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    Jan 1, 2024
    AJ really should beat anyone that barely just got past Dave Allen.
     
    Ice8Cold, Oct 11, 2025 at 4:05 PM
    Ice8Cold, Oct 11, 2025 at 4:05 PM
    #13
  14. UnleashtheFURY

    UnleashtheFURY D'oh! Full Member

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    Sep 29, 2012
    Helenius didn't actually do half bad in that fight prior to the KO. I agree if Makh goes for broke early he actually has a decent chance. But I imagine the ring will be very big to allow AJ to maneuver in the early rounds and stay out of harms way.
     
    UnleashtheFURY, Oct 11, 2025 at 4:06 PM
    UnleashtheFURY, Oct 11, 2025 at 4:06 PM
    #14
    TheBestBoxName, Ice8Cold and CST80 like this.
  15. peter_uk

    peter_uk Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Sep 11, 2022
    The sensible money is on Joshua by most likely a brutal KO; but Joshua's chin has been crumpled by lesser punchers than Makh. If Makh rolls the dice early on he certainly has the power to KO Joshua if he properly connects.
     
    peter_uk, Oct 11, 2025 at 4:06 PM
    peter_uk, Oct 11, 2025 at 4:06 PM
    #15
    Mickc, TheBestBoxName and CST80 like this.
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