Arslanbek Makhmudov Inks Co-Promotional Pact With Top Rank

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Heavyweight knockout extraordinaire Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov has signed a multi-year co-promotional contract with Top Rank, who will work in conjunction with Camille Estephan’s Eye of the Tiger. Makhmudov, born in Russia and now residing in Montreal, Canada, has knocked out all 14 of his professional opponents, including 10 in the first round.

The co-promotional agreement will see Makhmudov fight on Eye of the Tiger-promoted shows in Canada and on Top Rank on ESPN cards.

Makhmudov will defend his NABF belt against Carlos Takam on Friday, Sept. 16, at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal. Makhmudov-Takam headlines a loaded fight card that will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

“I’m fortunate to work with the top promoters in the world,” Makhmudov said. “This represents an important step toward achieving my goal of becoming a world champion.”

Estephan said, “I am very pleased and look forward to a long-term partnership with Top Rank, a force for decades in boxing. We look forward to adding to the legacy with high-level shows in Canada on ESPN+ and crowning world champions together.”

“Arslanbek Makhmudov has true heavyweight knockout power, and at 6’6 and 260 pounds, he is a force of nature inside the ring,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I look forward to working with Camille and his team at Eye of the Tiger to help Arslanbek achieve his dream of becoming heavyweight champion of the world.”

Makhmudov turned pro in December 2017 with a first-round stoppage over Jaime Barajas. He knocked out six of his first seven foes in the opening round, and in 2019, he became the first man to stop noted spoiler Jonnie Rice. Later that year, he iced former world champion Samuel Peter in just 2:23, which started a streak of four consecutive first-round knockouts. He last fought in February in Montreal, where he broke down former world title challenger Mariusz Wach in seven rounds. Makhmudov is currently ranked No. 6 by the WBC and WBA.

[margaret thatcher]

good move for big mak

[tiny_acres]

I hope they can keep him busy. The guy is wasting his career with long layoffs

[margaret thatcher]

we obvs gotta see how it plays out, but takam next + top rank signing = big mak's career looking up right now

[Ruthless-RKO]

we obvs gotta see how it plays out, but takam next + top rank signing = big mak's career looking up right now

How many other HW’s does TR have for their usual in-house fights.

[punchoutsb]

Probably the best news of his career so far. Finally got some gusto in the corner!

[Enlightened-One]

Arslanbek Makhmudov versus Efe Ajagba (assuming the Nigerian hype job hasn't been dumped by Top Rank).

What about Arslanbek Makhmudov versus Kubrat Pulev?

I haven't checked for a while, but these guys were also recently aligned with Top Rank: Agit Kabayel, Jared Anderson, and Oscar Rivas.

And Bob has close ties with Fṛḁṅk Wḁṛṛḛn, which means Makhmudov could easily face guys like Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce, Nathan Gorman, Jonathan Palata and David Adeleye.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Gorman is with Wasserman now.

But the rest is ok.

[Enlightened-One]

Gorman is with Wasserman now.

But the rest is ok.

The point being, is that Arslanbek Makhmudov's career was being progressed more aggressively than Filip Hrgovic's, but now he's with Top Rank, the pace of his career progression should be much faster.