Arslanbek Makhmudov, the Russian heavyweight once seen as a formidable threat for the world title, recently suffered a devastating loss to Guido Vianello, the new ‘Italian Stallion’. The fight, which took place in Quebec City, Canada, on the undercard of the Christian Mbilli-Sergey Derevyanchenko bout, ended with Makhmudov being stopped in the eighth round.
Throughout the fight, Makhmudov’s left eye began to swell as early as the third round, signaling the beginning of a downward spiral for the 35-year-old. Despite showing signs of weakness, Makhmudov continued to push forward until he was eventually pulled out of the fight in the eighth round. This loss, coupled with his previous defeat to Agit Kabayel, raises questions about Makhmudov’s fitness and conditioning.
On the other hand, Guido Vianello’s victory over Makhmudov has catapulted him into the spotlight as a rising star in the heavyweight division. Standing at an impressive 6’9″, Vianello possesses a combination of height, athleticism, punching power, and durability that make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division. Despite losses to Efe Ajagba and Jonathan Rice, Vianello’s performance against Makhmudov solidifies his status as a legitimate contender for a world title shot.
As Vianello sets his sights on bigger challenges in the heavyweight division, Makhmudov faces a daunting journey back to the top. With a record of 19-2, including two consecutive stoppage losses, Makhmudov’s future as a top contender is uncertain. While a rematch with Vianello may be on the horizon, Makhmudov’s recent setbacks suggest that he may struggle to reclaim his status as a feared heavyweight.
Arslanbek Makhmudov’s defeat at the hands of Guido Vianello serves as a cautionary tale of the unforgiving nature of the boxing world. As Vianello basks in the glow of his victory and sets his sights on bigger challenges, Makhmudov must come to terms with his shortcomings and embark on a grueling journey back to redemption. Only time will tell if Makhmudov has the resilience and determination to overcome his setbacks and reclaim his status as a top heavyweight contender.