Tyson Fury may have more on his hands than he bargained for if Arslankek Makhmudov earns himself a shot at the WBC heavyweight title.
Carlos Takam, a solid contender in the top division weight class, had no answer for the “Beast from the East” when he faced him Friday night in a heavyweight bout.
Montreal fight fans were treated to a terrific main event as Takam attempted to break the NABF champion’s 14-straight knockout streak.
WBC rated heavyweight
World ranked number five heavyweight by the WBC, Makhmudov was victorious at the Montreal Casino for the WBC Silver, NABF and NABA heavyweight titles.
Unsurprisingly, the heavy-handed Makhmudov started off fast and furious. He pushed Takam across the ring and into the corner before attempting to choke him with combinations.
Since he is the true veteran Takam, he knelt instead of taking the attack or more damage. The remaining time left him on the count to regain his composure.
Takam began to find his footing with an overhand right hand and hard body shots. Makhmudov continued to try to drop one-two bombs.
However, Takam was resilient and did not waver. Both men squared off and received brutal punishment during the ten-round main event.
As the fight continued, Takam began to attack Makhmudov, unsettled him at times and put him on his heels, possibly for the first time in Makhmudov’s career.
Heading into the seventh round, Takam was in control, striking first and causing Makhmudov much hesitation, hurtling toward a possible big upset.
Late in the round, however, Takam landed a right hand and came out of his position on the ropes. Makhmudov capitalized when he landed a right hand that dropped Takam.
The mighty Makhmudov won the fight on cards 97-91 and 96-92 [twice].
Tyson Fury Shot
Makhmudov will surely move up the World Boxing Council rankings by October. He could be ratified for an eliminator once he finishes the three-man tournament between Deontay Wilder, Andy Ruiz Jr. and Robert Helenius.
Though if Wilder attempts the belts of IBF, WBA and WBO ruler Usyk instead of facing Ruiz in a planned mandatory eliminator, there’s no reason Makhmudov shouldn’t be drafted next in line.
The brute could be just one win away from a stipulated shot at Fury’s world heavyweight championship.
Fury, the best heavyweight at the upper limit, must first go through Anthony Joshua later this year.
Joshua recently lost to former undisputed cruiserweight king Usyk in Saudi Arabia. That hasn’t stopped “The Gypsy King” from offering him a chance when he’s not in his prime anymore.
Since beating Wladimir Klitschko in 2017, amateur gold medalist Joshua has struggled to beat Fury or Wilder.
Greedy
Meanwhile, Takam promoter Joe DeGuardia congratulated his man on his valiant effort.
“Carlos proved once again that he belongs at the elite level of the heavyweight division,” DeGuardia said.
“Makhmudov entered the fight with high praise and Carlos matched him. Carlos constantly thrills fans with fantastic action fights. He will test any fighter in the division.
“Every time out, Carlos earns the respect of the crowd and boxing fans around the world. Congratulations to the Makhmudov team for the victory.”
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