Arslanbek Makhmudov Sets New Heavyweight Knockout Record
Arslanbek Makhmudov Sets New Heavyweight Knockout Record...
Undefeated heavyweight contender Arslanbek Makhmudov made boxing history Friday night by securing his 18th consecutive knockout victory, breaking a 30-year record for most consecutive KOs to start a professional career. The Russian-Canadian powerhouse achieved the milestone with a brutal second-round stoppage of veteran contender Carlos Takam at Montreal's Bell Centre, cementing his status as one of boxing's most feared rising stars.
Makhmudov's record-breaking performance is trending across U.S. sports media as fans debate whether the 6'6" slugger could soon challenge for a world title. ESPN's boxing analysts immediately compared his streak to young Mike Tyson's legendary early career knockouts, while Showtime's commentators called it "the most dominant start to a heavyweight career this century."
The 32-year-old's viral knockout clip has amassed over 2 million views on social media since Saturday morning, with many American fans demanding to see him face top-ranked U.S. heavyweights like Deontay Wilder or Jared Anderson. Makhmudov's promoter, Eye of the Tiger Management, confirmed they're pursuing fights with ranked opponents to capitalize on the sudden surge in stateside interest.
Boxing historians note Makhmudov has surpassed the previous record of 17 straight KOs set by American heavyweight Lamar Clark in 1958-1960. Unlike Clark who faced mostly journeymen, Makhmudov has knocked out six former world title challengers during his streak, including Takam who previously went the distance with Anthony Joshua.
The timing coincides with renewed American interest in heavyweight boxing following Tyson Fury's retirement announcement. Multiple Las Vegas sportsbooks reported heavy betting action on Makhmudov's next potential opponents within hours of his record-breaking win, with Wilder emerging as the fan-favorite matchup according to DraftKings' trending bets data.
Makhmudov, who trains in Montreal but was born in Russia's North Caucasus region, told reporters through a translator: "I want all the big names now - Wilder, Ruiz, even Usyk if he stays at heavyweight." His comments sparked immediate reactions from several top-10 ranked heavyweights on social media, setting the stage for potential high-profile matchups later this year.
With an 18-0 record (18 KOs) and growing international recognition, boxing analysts suggest Makhmudov could headline his first U.S. pay-per-view event by late 2026 if he maintains this trajectory. The WBC has already moved him into their top five rankings following Friday's victory, putting him in mandatory position for a world title shot.
