British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua is expected to make his comeback in early 2026, with Russian powerhouse Arslanbek Makhmudov emerging as a potential opponent.
Joshua has been out of the ring since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 and recently underwent elbow surgery. His camp still hopes for a future “Battle of Britain” bout with Tyson Fury.
Makhmudov, a 6ft 5in fighter known for his extreme training methods—such as wrestling bears and taking sledgehammer blows to the stomach—has won 18 of his 19 fights, suffering his only defeat to Agit Kabayel in 2023.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Makhmudov revealed that Joshua told him on Instagram they could fight next year if he wins his upcoming bout in Sheffield.
“Joshua said if I win this fight, then we can do it next year, Inshallah,” Makhmudov said.
