Arslanbek Makhmudov returns to action against Guido Vianello on the Mbilli-Derevyanchenko card
Makhmudov scored a second-round KO of Miljan Rovcanin in May. Photo by Vincent Ethier/Eye of the Tiger
Arslanbek Makhmudov is back in the win column and looking to wreak havoc in the heavyweight division.
Makhmudov will face Guido Vianello alongside Christian Mbilli-Sergey Derevyanchenko at the Center Videotron, Quebec City, Canada, on Saturday.
“He's a good fighter,” Makhmudov (19-1, 18 knockouts) told The Ring about Vianello. “It's a very good test fight for me because he played well in his career especially [Efe] Ajagba. It's a good challenge. He did well in the novice ranks. You have good skills. Good footwork.”
The two have a different history since they fought each other in Milan at the World Series of Boxing in 2015.
In that event, Makhmudov won by fourth round stoppage.
“I remember that it was not an easy fight,” Makhmudov recalled. “There was pressure in his place. This time it will be the opposite. I hope to win again.”
The 35-year-old Russian-born Canadian lost to Agit Kabayel (TKO 4) in Riyadh last December. The defeat was compounded by a serious hand injury that required surgery.
Makhmudov was able to test his hand without any ill effects against Miljan Rovcanin (KO 2) in May.
“My hand felt good,” he said. “It was a very important fight for me. I had to show the world that I'm still here, I'm still dangerous. I came to destroy, and I can destroy anyone.
And with that in mind he intends to push forward with his career and get back to where he was before the loss.
“I want to show that (the loss) was a wrong step in my career,” he said. “Not only because of my injury, but also my preparation was not good. It happens sometimes. My mindset has always been the same. To be a winner.”
Camille Estephan of Eye of The Tiger now believes that Makhmudov has lost his threat after losing to Agit Kayabel, and that he may turn into a better fighter.
“I feel that in this camp he is ready, as if he is there [upped] another gear,” Estephan commented. “He easily accepts instructions. I think he realized that he has a lot of things that he can improve but he was relying on that one tool and now he brings a lot to the mix. He has a lot of tools in his bag after this camp, that's for sure.
“It is a very important fight. The winner goes on to great things and it will be very difficult for the loser.”
Vianello (12-2-1, 10 KOs) had a great rookie career and represented Italy at the 2016 Rio Olympics, losing in the Round of 16 to Lenier Pero. He turned pro in 2018. He won 10 of his first 11 starts, with one mistake being a draw. The 30-year-old was impressively stopped by Jonathan Rice (TKO 7), while leading on all three cards. The 6'6” fighter also won twice before losing to Ajagba (SD 10) in April.
Both are great boxers, although Makhmudov will start as the favourite, but this could be a matter of who comes first. I'll take Makhmudov to stop Vianello for about five laps.
Mbilli-Derevyanchenko, along with the undercard bouts, will air on ESPN at 10 pm ET/ 7 pm PT.
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Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at [email protected].
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