Makhmudov Looks to Bounce Back Against Fa After Disappointing Debut Defeat
Arslanbek Makhmudov, once considered a heavyweight division dark horse, faced a disappointing setback last December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, suffering his first career defeat at the hands of Agit Kabayel.
The bout started to unravel for the 34-year-old Montreal-based fighter as early as the first round, with Makhmudov, who had previously boasted an impressive record of 17 stoppages in 18 victories, hitting the canvas three times before the fight was halted in the fourth round. The commentary team described the previously fearsome Makhmudov as “a big oak tree sagging to the ground” during his loss to the former European champion.
Makhmudov’s promoter, Camille Estephan, acknowledged that the boxer had broken his hand in two places and undergone surgery the following morning, though he emphasized that Makhmudov lost the fight “fair and square.”
“Makhmudov lost the fight fair and square,” said Estephan.
Now, the heavyweight contender will have the opportunity to redeem himself on May 25th, when he faces off against New Zealand’s Junior Fa in Shawinigan, Quebec. The stakes are high, as Estephan explained, with the event featuring several high-profile matchups, including a bout between Christian Mbilli and Makhmudov as the co-main event.
Fa, 20-3 (11 KOs), is also looking to bounce back from a recent defeat, having been stopped in the seventh round by Cuba’s Frank Sanchez on the same card as the Makhmudov-Kabayel fight. The 34-year-old Kiwi has faced notable setbacks in the past, including a unanimous decision loss to domestic rival Joseph Parker and a crushing knockout defeat to Lucas Browne nearly two years ago.
Estephan expressed confidence in Makhmudov’s ability to overcome the challenge presented by Fa, stating that the two had previously met in the amateur ranks, with Makhmudov emerging victorious. The promoter emphasized that Makhmudov is determined to prove that he is a legitimate force in the heavyweight division.
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