The date and the next opponent of WBC #5 heavyweight terror Arslanbek Makhmudov (16-0, 15 KOs) are now known. The current NABA and NABF heavyweight titleholder will face undefeated 6’8 Raphael Akpejiori (15-0, 14 KOs) on July 1st in the co-feature of the Top Rank gala featuring Jared Anderson (14-0, 14 KOs) against Zhan Kossobutskiy (19-0, 18 KOs) at the at Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio. The event will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Arslanbek Makhmudov: “Fighting for the first time in the United States, the Mecca of boxing, represents a major opportunity for me, not only because it will give me the opportunity to showcase my talent on the world stage, but also because it brings me one step closer to my dream of becoming world champion. I have dedicated my life to boxing, worked hard and made every sacrifice to get to this crucial moment in my career. I am ready. I’m ready to fight the best, and to give a memorable show to the boxing fans around the world.”
Raphael Akpejiori: “I’ve been preparing myself physically and mentally, and I can’t wait for the bell to ring to show the world what Raphael Akpejiori is made of! I don’t expect this fight to be easy, but I have been preparing for this moment for a long time. I am used to working hard. I’m used to adversity, obstacles and pain. This is just a new chapter, and I am more than ready. This is an opportunity to represent the African continent on a global scale, and I don’t intend to disappoint.”
Well now isn’t that interesting! Main and co-main event have fights between big punching heavyweights with, at least presumably, a match to be made between the winners?! If it lines up like that, Anderson – Makhmudov would be delicious, but who knows, maybe Zhan and/or Akpejiori land something and change my mind. Good card!
I suppose the Nigerian has a puncher’s chance. He’s a big, strong guy. But his record is padded with tomato cans. This is a huge step up for him.
Anyone associated with domestic terrorism needs to get whipped and KTFO. I hope domestic terrorist Jared Anderson loses. I hope he gets beat. Maybe not by this guy. Well, definitely not by this guy. But, someone, some day, is going to whip Jared hard. Beat that axx. And I can’t wait. Also, FJB.
LeKaren, agreed!!
Wow, I must have missed something. I didn’t know Jared Anderson had been accused of domestic terrorism. What did he do?
@Chris I believe that was a reference to BLM
You don`t have any white American fighters, ya all are p…..s anyway, so i understand the bitterness. Ya all have to support Eastern block, asian and Mexican fighters, you have no where to turn. Keep praying to your jesus, that may help.
Raphael Akpejiori played basketball at the University of Miami. Very late start to boxing, which usually doesn’t lend itself to a whole lot of success. He looks pretty limited from what I’ve seen on film from him. I suspect he’ll be gone very quickly in this fight, but still not a bad addition to this card. 6’8″ with some power….you never know.
Lot of big boppers here, hopefully they turn out to be more then easy 1st round KO’s