BoxRec

ARSLANBEK MAKHMUDOV-CARLOS TAKAM SET FOR SEPT. 16 IN MONTREAL

News reached The Ring that heavyweight contender Arslanbek Makhmudov will face former world title challenger Carlos Takam at the Montreal Casino on September 16.

Makhmudov-Takam will headline an Eye of the Tiger event which will be broadcast live on punchinggrace.com.

The 33-year-old Makhmudov was a top amateur. He was the Russian national champion in his age group (19-22) in 2010 and the No. 1-rated super heavyweight in the World Series of Boxing in 2014-2015.

Makhmudov (14-0, 14 KOs) turned pro in 2017. He stopped 10 opponents in the opening round and owns wins over former WBC heavyweight titleholder Samuel Peter (TKO 1) and former heavyweight title challenger Mariusz Wach (KO 6).

Takam (39-6-1, 28 KOs) represented his homeland of Cameroon at the 2002 Olympics and turned pro in France three years later. He won his first 18 bouts before losing to Gregory Tony (UD 8). On his return, Takam bested three former world title challengers: Frans Botha (TKO 11), Michael Grant (TKO 8) and Tony Thompson (UD 12).

However, Takam suffered setbacks to Alexander Povetkin (KO 10) and Joseph Parker (UD 12). And after stepping in at 12 days’ notice to face then-IBF/ WBA titleholder Anthony Joshua, the aggressive veteran was stopped in 10. A defeat to Derek Chisora (TKO 8) was followed by four straight wins, but he lost again to Joe Joyce (TKO 6).

Big-punching middleweight Steven Butler will defend his NABF title for the first time against experienced Mark DeLuca in the co-feature.

Butler, 26, won 18 of his first 19 fights, with the lone blemish being a draw. He was upset by Brandon Cook (TKO 7), but rebounded strongly with 10 consecutive wins, including a stoppage over wily veteran Carson Jones (TKO 7). Those wins set up a fight against Ryota Murata in Japan in December 2019. Although Butler put up a solid effort, he was ultimately stopped in five rounds.

He returned a year later, but was beaten by Jose de Macias (TKO 5). After some soul searching, Butler won two fights, including a decision victory over the sturdy Brandon Brewer (UD 10). His record is 30-3-1 (25 KOs).

DeLuca (28-3, 16 KOs) turned professional in 2007. The Massachusetts native won his first 21 fights before narrowly losing to The Contender contestant Walter Wright (SD 10). He bounced back to beat Wright (UD 10) in a rematch and widely outboxed the aforementioned Brewer (UD 10). The 34-year-old southpaw was rewarded with a fight against former welterweight titleholder Kell Brook. That proved to be a bridge too far and DeLuca was stopped in seven rounds. DeLuca won his next four fights before surprisingly dropping a decision to Edward Ulloa Diaz (UD 8).

Weren't they making the Jerry Forrest fight?

So Forrest ducked him?

is Takam the best opponent so far for Big Mak? Dude ain't gettin' any younger. needs to really begin to step it up in comp as well as frequency.

Is Takam an upgrade from Forrest?

Takkam beat forrest by UD 2 years ago.
But i don't know.....even.

obviously a step up for mak....takam beat forrest handily anyway and forrest looked awful last fight. i think this is pretty decent move forward, takam pretty much just loses to contenders and titilists. was even up on the cards vs slow joe, just like dubs

In a division full of carefully-matched pampered prima donnas, Carlos Takam is a true ring warrior who's always been willing to fight anybody, anytime, anywhere.

Press Release

Montreal’s Eye of the Tiger delivers another one-two punch at its September 16 event, when heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov (14-0, 14 KOs) defends his NABF title against veteran Carlos Takam (39-6-1, 28 KOs). The NABF middleweight title will also be on the line when Steven Butler (30-3-1, 25 KOs) confronts American Mark DeLuca (28-3, 16 KOs) in the event semi-final at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal, simulcast on the Punching Grace Network starting at 7:00 pm.

Currently ranked 7th in the WBC classification and 6th in the WBA, Arslanbek Makhmudov has continued to scale the ranks of the heavyweight division with stellar back-to-back performances. While his last victorious duel against 6’7’’ Mariusz Wach of Poland, whom he stopped in the 6th round, allowed him to maintain his imposing KO ratio, it also has made it that much harder to find him opponents.

“Finding an athlete who’ll step into the ring with Makhmudov and compel him to improve is almost impossible. While we’re proud to present this duel of international calibre to our fans, we are sitting on the edge of our seats as to its outcome. Carlos Takam is an experienced, seasoned boxer who packs a punch powerful enough to give Mahkmudov a run for his money. September 16 will be a crucial step in Mahkmudov’s evolution. We invite all boxing fans to be with us for the event”, states Antonin Décarie, general manager at EOTTM.

Takam has fought 245 rounds in 46 bouts, and maintained a KO ratio of 60%. The Cameroonian athlete has faced off against some of the division’s biggest names: he’s gone the distance with New Zealand heavy-hitter Joseph Parker, challenged Anthony Joshua for the IBF, IBO and WBA titles, gone toe-to-toe with Derek Chisora, and defeated Jerry Forrest. These fights have allowed him to acquire valuable international experience and show him to be a fighter who gives as good as he gets. The "Lion" will certainly face a formidable opponent on September 16.

Butler has shown steady progress and demonstrated remarkable maturity on June 23 as he battled Brandon Brewer and ultimately won the NABF middleweight belt. The Montreal slugger, in peak physical condition, adroitly channeled his energy to deliver a constant volley of blows throughout 10 electrifying rounds, in front of thrilled fans who looked on with bated breath.

DeLuca, just as tough, opportunistic and hardy as Brewer, presents quite a challenge to the EOTTM protegé, who will have to think on his feet to impose his own rhythm on his opponent. Well aware of the danger that Butler poses with his explosive style and punching power, the Massachusetts southpaw claims to have faith in his skill and be ready to capture the NABF title.

In addition to the two main bouts, the event will showcase Thomas Chabot (6-0, 6 KOs), who steps back into the ring for the first time since February in a quest for his 7th victory in as many fights. In addition, this will be the 5th fight for both Buckingham boxer Alexandre Gaumont (4-0, 2 KOs) and Hamza Khabbaz (4-0, 1 KOs). Jean Gardy Francois (2-0, 2 KOs) will try for a KO hat trick, while Martine Vallières-Bisson (5-1, 1 KO) will return to the ring for the first time since her defeat at the hands of Laura Grzyb of Poland.

Takam is much better than Forest, but it’s still a pretty poor opponent all things considered. If he really is having trouble getting opponents then this may be his best bet.

Takam could sound OK at least 3 years ago. Now he's just a decent name for the record.

DrDuke wrote: ↑03 Aug 2022, 15:09 Takam could sound OK at least 3 years ago. Now he's just a decent name for the record.

Yep, he's a name atleast and atleast we know what he brings. The rest of Makhmudovs opponents have not told us anything about him.

i mean, considering mak's past opposition, i think takam is a totally legit step up. he's been competitive with many contenders and pretty much only loses to good fighters. he always fights hard. he beat the aforementioned forrest handily, like 7-3/8-2.

if you then step up one level on takam, you'll be pretty much around top 10-15 range. mak could make up a lot of ground if he wins this and then builds on it in his next fight

i think this is a positive tbh. some people may be tired of takam, but for a prospect who's untested he's good for sure

Press Release

Little-known but dangerous heavyweight Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov has signed a multi-year co-promotional contract with Top Rank, who will work in conjunction with Eye of the Tiger Management. Makhmudov, born in Russia and now residing in Montreal, is listed as 14-0 but professional bouts in the World Series of Boxing make 27-3 a more accurate pro record. He has ten knockout wins 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 face Carlos Takam on Friday, Sept. 16th at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal on a 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.”

Eye o9f the Tiger's Camille 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 made his traditional pro debut 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 title holder 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 Mariusz Wach in seven rounds.

It's kind of weird to see Hrgovic receiving more limelight than Makhmudov.

Not much discussion on this.. it’s next week.

it's a good step for mak

Press Release | Alexandre Gaumont Still Dealing With COVID, Withdraws From Makhmudov-Takam Card

Still exhibiting symptoms after a recent positive COVID-19 test, Alexandre Gaumont has been obliged to withdraw from his fight on the Friday, September 16.

He was part of undercard at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal gala in which Arslanbek Makhmudov (14-0, 14 KOs) will face off against Carlos Takam (39-6-1, 28 KOs) for the NABF and NABA heavyweight titles.

“I’m devastated at not being able to get into the ring on Friday. I’ve worked so hard over the past weeks to get ready for my fight, but unfortunately COVID has proved to be an unexpected opponent. I’m going to get plenty of rest and be very careful so I can get back into the ring in Gatineau on October 27 and give 200%!” states Gaumont.

In addition to the main event, Steven Butler (30-3-1, 25 KOs) will leap into action as he defends his NABF title against Mark DeLuca (28-3, 16 KOs). Thomas Chabot (6-0, 6 KOs) will confront Armando Ramirez (3-1), while Jean-Gardy François (2-0, 2 KOs) will oppose Andres Sanchez Ramirez (4-4-3, 2KOs).

In addition, Martine Vallières-Bisson (5-1, 1 KOs) will fight Emma Gongora (4-2) and Hamza Khabbaz (4-0, 1 KO) will attempt a 5th win against Marcin Jadwiszczak (0-0-1).

ARSLANBEK MAKHMUDOV: ‘I’M HERE TO DESTROY EVERYONE’

“You have three, four guys,” he said of his hitlist. “I’d like to fight Joshua. You have Fury, who is the WBC champ, I’d like to fight him also."

"You have Usyk who has all the [other] belts and you have Wilder, a good boxer, a good name, why not? Let’s go. I’d like to fight Fury and Joshua; they have a good name and are good boxers.”

https://www.ringtv.com/644199-arslanbek ... -everyone/

joshj909 wrote: ↑03 Aug 2022, 15:13

DrDuke wrote: ↑03 Aug 2022, 15:09 Takam could sound OK at least 3 years ago. Now he's just a decent name for the record.

Yep, he's a name atleast and atleast we know what he brings. The rest of Makhmudovs opponents have not told us anything about him.

I still want to see big Mak prove he has the stamina and boxing skills to win a decision. I think he does, but with his power it's unlikely Takam will last long enough. He has rare power.

Loving me some Big Mak, The Head Tick Monster!!!

Credit to Takam he looks to be in top shape

tiny_acres wrote: ↑16 Sep 2022, 10:37 Credit to Takam he looks to be in top shape

He weighed over 260.. still looks good.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑16 Sep 2022, 10:44

tiny_acres wrote: ↑16 Sep 2022, 10:37 Credit to Takam he looks to be in top shape

He weighed over 260.. still looks good.

He carries it well