Arslanbek Makhmudov is set to face Tyson Fury next weekend, presenting him with a chance to re-establish his reputation in the heavyweight division. After a successful training camp, Makhmudov’s coach, Marc Ramsay, believes the Russian is well prepared to pull off the upset.
Makhmudov is looking to show that previous defeats were setbacks rather than a sign of decline. He aims to prove he remains a dangerous contender at the top level.
A Surprise Opportunity
Speaking to Boxing News, head trainer Marc Ramsay admitted that the opportunity to face ‘The Gypsy King’ came as a surprise. However, he said it was one that the 36-year-old simply had to take.
“Everything is going very good. We have had a very good training camp here in Montreal, lots of different sparring partners and a lot of challenges. To be honest, this is a fun fight for us, it is a fight that we didn’t expect at all.
“We are going there to challenge, we have no pressure, nothing to lose, just everything to gain. We can feel an atmosphere in the training camp, we are enjoying this moment.”
Ramsay added, “We have already fought good boxers, but after the last win with Arslanbek, we created a little bit of publicity. We didn’t expect a fight like this. They offered us the fight and it was a no-brainer for us – especially with the age of Arslanbek, we want to go and try for real.”
Renewed Motivation in Camp
Ramsay also noted a renewed sense of motivation in camp.
“The motivation is better. Arslanbek always has a good work ethic but you can feel that extra push from the team and from the boxer.”
Experience on British Soil
This will be Makhmudov’s second fight on British soil in six months. He outpointed Dave Allen over 12 rounds in Sheffield in October 2024.
Ramsay highlighted that the fight with Allen was ideal preparation for this clash with Fury. It allowed Makhmudov to experience being the away fighter and deal with a hostile and vocal UK crowd.
“That Dave Allen fight was a really good experience and I found that as a coach myself. You can talk about the feeling of the crowd in the U.K., but you have to live it to understand exactly what it is and how passionate