The WBC has ordered Arslanbek Makhmudov to fight Zhan Kossobutskiy next (contingent on Makh beating Raphael Akpejiori on December 16, of course) At 6' 3", Zhan Kossobutskiy (19-0, 18 KOs) lacks some reach. His hands aren't particularly fast, but they are heavy - particuarly to the body. Not very light-footed, but he has very good forwards-backwards movement that makes him surprisingly-elusive to catch with big punches. He's by far the most dangerous opponent Makh has faced, IMO. If there's one thing obviously not in Kossobutskiy's favor here, it's that Zhan's jab is sort of a pawing jab and it's not much use other than to get his opponents hands out of place. Though it's been proven to be quite good for that. Has the makings of an excellent fight, I think.
It would seem to have serious "FOTY" possibilities. Lots of payload in the air during that one, I think. But, it's the WBC - so believe it only when the fighters are touching gloves.
Ditto - I think people are sleeping on him a bit. Some elements of GGG and Beterbiev in his makeup, I think.
This would be a great fight, I can see Zhan winning as he is technically better but Makhmudov hits like a sledgehammer...
Zhan's lack of a truly damaging jab is his big weakness here. He needs to find a way to really work in those body shots.
from what ive seen Arslanbek has troubles with shorter people it seems. he could win both his next fights but someone legit will out box him easily
I'm leaning towards Zhan for the same reason, but would avoid betting on it since I'm not certain how good his chin is. I did a little research on the WBC's ordering of this fight, and found an article mentioning that the WBC released a list of mandatory match-ups. The article mentioned Wilder-Ruiz as an eliminator, but wasn't really clear why they were ordering this fight.
Wish WBC make Makhmudov fight against Wilder for the WBC final eliminator as Ruiz is probably going to fight Hrgovic for the IBF final eliminator.
