Arslanbek Makhmudov, the 36-year-old Russian heavyweight from Dagestan, has spoken respectfully of his opponent Tyson Fury ahead of their fight on Saturday night at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Makhmudov, who now lives in Canada, described Fury as 'the professor of mind and boxing' while expressing confidence in his own spiritual strength.
'Tyson Fury is the professor of mind and boxing,' Makhmudov said. 'A lot of boxing is mental and he is a master. But boxing is also spiritual. I am going to be strong, spiritual and smart. You can say this is a war between mental and spiritual and we'll see who is more successful. Inshallah it is spiritual.'
The 6ft 5½in Makhmudov, who has stopped 19 of his 21 opponents, acknowledged Fury's high boxing IQ and his victories over Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder. 'This guy, he is a legend, one of the best heavyweights in history,' Makhmudov said. When asked about Fury's weaknesses, he replied diplomatically: 'That's why we have this fight – to find his weaknesses and then beat him.'
Makhmudov, who recalled a difficult childhood in Dagestan during the Chechen war, said he prays five times a day and relies on his faith. 'If my God is with me then 60,000 [fans] don't matter. It's nothing. If God is with you it's a real power and a beautiful power,' he said. He also praised his previous visit to England for a points win over Dave Allen in Sheffield, calling the people 'very friendly'.
