Arslanbek Makhmudov will face Agit Kabayel on December 23 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Eye of the Tiger Management announced in a press release Thursday morning.
Makhmudov (18-0, 17 KOs), a six-foot-five colossus aged 34, will therefore fight a second consecutive fight in the Middle East, after having disposed of in 70 seconds by KO. technique of the American Junior Anthony Wright on October 28.
He will face Kabayel (23-0, 15 K. – W.), who has never experienced defeat in more than 12 years as a professional. During this period, the German of Turkish origins was crowned European champion twice, notably beating the double world title contender Derek Chisora, the Ukrainian Andrii Rudenko, as well as the Croatian Agron Smakici.
“Arslanbek will face his best opponent to date on December 23. Kabayel is complete and he hits hard with both hands. He also beat the very dangerous Derek Chisora. The objective of the fight is clear: to demonstrate that we are in another category,” said Makhmudov’s trainer and director of development at EOTTM, Marc Ramsay.
“He’s a good opponent, and it will be a good test for me. I’m really looking forward to this fight,” commented Makhmudov.
Makhmudov has enjoyed success since arriving in Montreal. He notably won the WBC Continental Americas title in 2019 after becoming the first man to stop Jonathan Rice. The same year, he added the NABF and NABA titles to his collection.
In 2022, he defeated Carlos Takam to get his hands on the WBC Silver title and cement his place at the top of the rankings. Makhmudov, currently ranked third in the WBC, behind Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua, also inflicted a first defeat on Raphael Akpejiori during his debut on American soil last July.
“I am very happy to have the opportunity to return to Riyadh for a tough fight with an opponent of the caliber of Agit Kabayel. This is a golden opportunity to showcase all the work Arslanbek Makhmudov has done in the gym with the team,” said EOTTM President Camille Estephan.
The December 23 card in Riyadh will feature a double main attraction as former division monarchs Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) and Joseph Parker (33- 3, 23 KOs), while the British Anthony Joshua (26-3, 23 KOs) will face the Swedish giant Otto Wallin (26-1, 14 KOs).