Dave Allen Backs Anthony Joshua to Overcome Makhmudov in 2026 Showdown

British heavyweight boxer Dave Allen has predicted that Anthony Joshua will defeat Russian powerhouse Arslanbek Makhmudov when the two meet in 2026. However, Allen cautioned that the former two-time unified world champion must survive a dangerous opening few rounds before taking control of the bout.

Allen’s comments come after his recent loss to Makhmudov in Sheffield, where he went the distance but fell short on all three judges’ scorecards. Reflecting on the fight, Allen admitted the 6ft 5in Russian remains a powerful puncher but believes Joshua’s skill and composure will be enough to secure victory. “It’ll be a dangerous one or two rounds for Joshua, but Makhmudov is on the decline. I think Joshua deals with him,” Allen told The Stomping Ground.

Makhmudov, who fights out of Montreal, dominated Allen across 12 rounds without scoring the expected knockout, before calling out Joshua in a post-fight statement. The Russian later revealed that Joshua had agreed to a 2026 clash following a friendly exchange on Instagram, citing unfinished business from their amateur days as added motivation.

Joshua, meanwhile, is preparing for a potential comeback fight in Nigeria early next year, his first since suffering a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Promoter Dr. Ezekiel Adamu has confirmed that Congolese contender Martin Bakole — who has also called out Joshua — is among several names being considered for the former champion’s highly anticipated return to the ring on African soil.