Anthony Joshua agrees to fight Russian giant who revealed 2026 comeback deal

Arslanbek Makhmudov reveals agreement to face Anthony Joshua

Tasked with knocking back the British veteran Dave Allen in a headliner this weekend in Sheffield, 6ft 5in heavyweight talent Arslanbek Makhmudov has entered the sweepstakes to take on Joshua.

Towering over his Doncaster rival ahead of their pairing, Makhmudov and Allen are tipped to land a massive clash with another former world champion, whoever emerges with a win in their pivotal clash.

However, in another twist in the tale of Joshua’s return, Makhmudov has claimed he has already been broached a fight with the Watford star — a pairing he has agreed to take if he prevails with a win over Allen.

“Yeah, we just spoke a little bit on Instagram,” Makhmudov said of a fight with Joshua during an interview with Boxing News. “Just friendly, you know. And I offered him as a next fight, he said, ‘Okay, next year then. Next year we can do it.’

“For me, the fight is interesting because it’s a good opportunity,” Makhmudov explained. “And in sport, because we had a bit of a story in the amateurs. He lost to guys in the European championship and the world championship — I beat these two guys. For me, it’s interesting.”

Anthony Joshua called out for Nigeria clash against ex-sparring partner

And while agreeing to fight Makhmudov — albeit during a text message exchange — Joshua continues to find himself linked to another pairing with a familiar name from his past.

Targeting an early 2026 return to the ring in a historic trip to Africa, Joshua was first tied to a showdown in Ghana; however, in recent days, an event featuring the former world champion closer to his roots in Nigeria has been floated.

And former training partner of Joshua, Congolese heavyweight star Martin Bakole has expressed his interest in fighting his ex-sparring rival, having rebounded from his thudding loss to Joseph Parker.