Can Vianello Tame ‘The Lion’? Makhmudov’s POWER Puts Heavyweight Division on Notice!

Nine years on from their World Series of Boxing meeting as amateurs, Arslanbek Makhmudov and Guido Vianello clash again in the paid ranks; watch Makhmudov vs Vianello as part of Sunday’s Top Rank card in Quebec City, live on Sky Sports Action from 1am

Arslanbek Makhmudov has good memories from facing Guido Vianello in the amateur ranks. In the small hours of Sunday morning, nine years on from that World Series of Boxing clash, the heavyweight duo finally meet again as professionals.

Their 2015 meeting in Milan saw Makhmudov emerge victorious after Vianello suffered an ear injury in a hard-hitting four rounds, and the Canada-based Russian, nicknamed ‘The Lion’, has every intention of triumphing in this weekend’s 10-rounder, live on Sky Sports.

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What is different, though, is the 35-year-old has had three months’ preparation for this contest after stopping Miljan Rovcanin in the second round in May, unlike the relentless, globe-trotting nature of life on the old WSB circuit.

“It was a difficult time and a difficult fight because we did a fight every two weeks – can you imagine?” Makhmudov told Sky Sports. “It was so crazy.

“I had one fight in Azerbaijan, one fight in Venezuela and then this fight in Italy. Treble fights were crazy, but it was a good experience.

“Even though it was a long time ago, I remember this, but we both became professional and became more experienced. It’s not the same time, of course, but I go to do my job the best, like always, and to win.”

The knockout of Serbia’s Rovcanin in Shawinigan, Quebec, marked Makhmudov’s 18th stoppage in the 19 wins he has chalked up since turning professional in 2017 and marked the perfect way to respond to his only defeat in those seven years.