This image is edited but still real as can be. First, because the background is real. The one of Riyadh, where Makhmudov and Fa boxed on the same card, in December 2023. Also, because the 2 men have already shared the same ring, but in the amateurs, in 2012. Finally, because the picture will soon come to life in Shawinigan.
Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-1, 17 KOs) and Junior Fa (20-3, 11 KOs) will face off at the Centre Gervais Auto on May 25th. By taking the path to the Mauricie, the two giants will all try to take the comeback trail to the victory and – who knows? – perhaps to Riyadh, in the co-main-event of Mbilli-Heffron.
Last time in Saudi Arabia, in December, was though day at the office for Makhmudov. That night, the ‘Lion’ was stopped in the 4th round by world contender Agit Kabayel (24-0, 16 KOs). Maybe to explain, but in any case, to add to that, he broked his right hand twice in the 2nd round…
But yeah, to feel less alone, earlier, in the same ring, Junior Fa suffered the same fate, this time in the 7th round and from the hands of the Cuban ‘Flash’ Frank Sanchez (24-0, 17 KOs).
Do yo remember Butler and Rolls fighting for their international future? Well, EOTTM does it again, it’s do or die in a true crossroads fight.
A real reunion
Although their careers weren’t on the line before, this spring will be the third time Markhmudov and Fa’s cross paths. They had dinner with the same Saudi prince last winter. Above all, they fought in India as part of the World Series of Boxing, the imminent amateur tournament, in 2012.
At the time, the New Zealander defeated Makhmudov in a 5 round decision. Twelve years later, in America, but still in India according to Christopher Columbus, Arslanbek Makhmudov is determined not to leave his fate in the hands of the judges.
“I didn’t believe I lost this fight anyway, but it only motivates me even more,” said the adopted Montrealer, on March 27, at the kick-off press conference of the event.
Patrick Kane style
To get his revenge, at the home of the Shawinigan Cataractes, Makhmudov will want to “get his hands out like Patrick Kane,” to quote TVA Sports hockey play-by-play Alexis Goulet.
Where is the link with the American hockey player?
When he was 10, Kane broke his wrist and his cast prevented him from shooting normally. Result: he still played, but only shooting from the backhand. Today he is almost equally skilled on both ends.
We return to Makhmudov, who with his powerful right hand in a cast, took the opportunity to further train the left, promising to come back with just as much power in both hands.
If so, that’s scary.
Hand and mind
There is a lot of talk about the boxer’s healed hand, but it seems that his mind is also doing better. The physical injury happened during the fight, but even before entering the arena, mentally, the ‘Lion’ was not there.
“I wasn’t hungry. I thought I was professional, but now I know what it takes to be professional. In boxing you can’t be relaxed, you always have to be hungry if you want to be a real killer,” he said warmly.
And Junior Fa?
All that remains is to put words into action on May 25. Makhmudov is very confident, but the Oceanian giant who will be in front of him is not defeated in advance. Here are a few of its attributes in brief.
Giant: standing 6’5” and weigh in nearly 280 pounds, but was still capable of outboxing one of the most technical and fast heavyweights in boxing for 5 and a half rounds in his last fight…
Competitive: went the 12 round limit with Joseph Parker in a much closer fight than the one between the latter and Wilder. Yes, he lost in the first round against Browne, but it remains an isolated case. This kind of home run happens among the heavyweights…
Prepared: Wilder was mentioned, but, proof that Fa is solid, he was the main training partner of the terrifying American slugger for years…
Caring: father of 3, he has a son, Ezra, affected by the autism spectrum. Giving to the cause, he raises awareness, outside the ring, and even in it, wearing the word ‘Autism’ on his combat outfit, like the 4 Smith brothers do for their sister…
