Anthony Joshua and Arslanbek Makhmudov Agree In Principle to a 2026 Heavyweight Showdown
British-Nigerian heavyweight Anthony Joshua has reportedly given a thumbs-up in principle to a fight with Russian contender Arslanbek Makhmudov slated for 2026.
Makhmudov — the 6ft 5in power puncher known as “The Lion” — told Boxing News that a friendly Instagram exchange with Joshua ended with both men nodding toward a future meeting. “We just spoke a little on Instagram,” Makhmudov said. “I offered him as a next fight, and he said, ‘Okay, next year then. Next year we can do it.’”
The Montreál-based heavyweight, who faces Dave Allen this weekend in Sheffield, says the potential bout carries extra significance for him. He pointed to shared amateur histories where he beat opponents Joshua later lost to at European and world championships — a personal subplot that adds spice to the matchup.
Joshua has been inactive since his loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley last September, but a comeback is expected early next year. Promoters are reportedly in talks about staging one of his return fights in Nigeria — a homecoming many fans have been hoping to see.
The heavyweight scene is already lively: Congolese puncher Martin Bakole has also called for a clash with Joshua, even comparing it to a “Rumble in the Jungle II.” “I’d take the fight with Anthony Joshua in a heartbeat,” Bakole said, confident he would finish the job if given the chance.
For now, Joshua’s next steps look set to include careful matchmaking and a return to form, while Makhmudov eyes a high-profile date that could reshape the heavyweight pecking order.
