Error code: %{errorCode}
Dave Allen branded 'a bit crazy' for accepting 'war' with dangerous heavyweight
Arslanbek Makhmudov believes Dave Allen is 'a bit crazy' for choosing to fight him ahead of their heavyweight clash on October 11, live on DAZN.
Allen is set to headline in his hometown of Sheffield as he aims to build on his impressive knockout victory over Johnny Fisher in May.
But he has not made things easy for himself after handpicking Makhmudov as his opponent - a man who has 20 professional wins to his name with 19 coming via knockout.
Makhmudov admits he respects Allen for taking on a big challenge but hinted that he doesn't feel it is the smartest move from the Brit.
"When you accept to go to war with me, no matter what will happen to you in the ring, you automatically gain my respect as a fighter,' Makhmudov told World Boxing News.Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Asked whether he agreed with Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn's assessment that Allen was "absolutely mad" for chasing the fight, Makhmudov added: "Yes, because he knows I'm a dangerous fighter. I think boxing is very dangerous. So you have to be a bit crazy to go into the ring, even more with me.
"But I respect him as a warrior because without crazy boxers, boxing wouldn't be the same."
Makhmudov won his first 18 fights but suffered a setback when he was beaten by heavyweight contender Agit Kabayel inside four rounds in 2023.
Another stoppage loss followed against Italy's Guido Vianello last year as Makhmudov slipped down the pecking order in boxing's blue-riband division.
However, he bounced back with a first-round knockout win in June and is convinced he has made the necessary improvements to get past Allen next month.
"The most important thing is to get better," Makhmudov said.
"Personally, I think I'm a way better fighter right now than when I was undefeated, because I've learned from it."
Watch the biggest fights and best fighters with a DAZN subscription
A DAZN subscription provides access to over 185 fights a year across a range of combat sports from the world's best promoters.
