MONTREAL, AUGUST 1st, 2025 — After making a powerful comeback this past June, Arslanbek Makhmudov will attempt to reclaim his place on the world stage on October 11, when he faces top-10 world heavyweight contender David Allen on enemy turf, at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena in England.
“Arslanbek Makhmudov proved he’s back at the top of his game in his last fight, knocking out an undefeated Olympian in under a round. While Dave Allen has shown he’s one of the toughest heavyweights in the world today, we’re confident he won’t be able to withstand the power that ‘The Lion’ will unleash in the UK on October 11,” said EOTTM president Camille Estephan.
Arslanbek Makhmudov (20-2, 19 KOs) has experienced a phenomenal rise in recent years, winning his first 18 career bouts, 17 of them by stoppage. Along the way, he defeated former world title challengers Carlos Takam and Junior Wright in a bout held in Riyadh. After suffering significant injuries in the only two losses of his career, he bounced back strong on June 27, handing Tokyo Olympian Ricardo Brown his first career loss—by first-round knockout. Now back at full strength and on a winning path, the man nicknamed “The Lion” is ready to reclaim his place in boxing’s premier division.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to face a true warrior like David Allen on October 11. I know he won’t shy away from going to war with me. But enough talk — it’s time to hunt, and soon, it’ll be time to have my hand raised,” said Arslanbek Makhmudov, who now calls Montreal home.
David Allen (24-7-2, 19 KOs), ranked #9 by the WBA in the heavyweight division, has also enjoyed a triumphant return in recent months. This past May, the man known as “The White Rhino” scored the biggest win of his career by handing fellow Brit Johnny Fisher his first professional loss. The 33-year-old veteran, who has 33 fights under his belt, has faced elite opponents multiple times, including Dillian Whyte, Luis Ortiz, Tony Yoka, Lucas Browne, David Price, and Frazer Clarke.
“There are some huge fights to look forward to – and none more so than Dave Allen against Arslanbek Makhmudov. To be honest, I think Dave is absolutely mad for taking this fight. In fact, he might just be one of the strangest men I’ve ever met. I gave him a list of very good fighters – he chose the biggest puncher and the most dangerous one of the whole list,” said Matchoom’s CEO Eddie Hearn.
“In Arslanbek Makhmudov I think it really is the biggest test available. He looks the part. He’s had some very good wins and he has a high world ranking. A win over him will put me right up there on the world stage. It might be a shot to nothing. And I might go in as the underdog. But I’m up for it. It’s one last shot at the big time for me,” added David Allen.
Tickets for the #MakhmudovAllen event, on October 11 at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, will go on sale in the coming days. Photos from Arslanbek Makhmudov’s recent fights are available (HERE).
