Arslanbek Makhmudov is back in the win column and looking to cause more destruction in the heavyweight division.

Makhmudov will face Guido Vianello in the co-feature to Christian Mbilli-Sergey Derevyanchenko at the Centre Videotron, Quebec City, Canada, on Saturday.

“He’s a good fighter,” Makhmudov (19-1, 18 knockouts) told The Ring about Vianello. “It’s a very good test fight for me because he did good fights in his career, especially [Efe] Ajagba. It’s a good challenge. He did well in the amateur ranks. He has good skills. Good footwork.”

The two have a shared history dating back to when they fought each other in Milan in the World Series of Boxing in 2015.

On that occasion, Makhmudov emerged victorious with a fourth-round stoppage.

“I remember that it wasn’t an easy fight,” recalled Makhmudov. “There was pressure fighting on his home turf. This time it will be the opposite. I hope to win again.”

The 35-year-old Russian-born Canadian resident lost to Agit Kabayel (TKO 4) in Riyadh last December. The defeat was further compounded by a nasty hand injury that required surgery.

Makhmudov was able to test his hand with no ill-effects against Miljan Rovcanin (KO 2) back in May.

“My hand felt good,” he said. “It was a really important fight for me. I had to show the world that I’m still here, I’m still dangerous. I come to destroy, and I can destroy anyone.”

And with that in mind he’s intent on pushing forward with his career and returning to where he was before the loss.

“I want to show that (the loss) was a misstep in my career,” he said. “Not only because of my injury, but also my preparation wasn’t optimal. It happens sometimes. My mentality has always been the same. To be a winner.”

Camille Estephan of Eye of The Tiger believes now that Makhmudov has lost some of the menace after losing to Agit Kayabel, and that he could evolve into a better all-around fighter.

“I feel in this camp that he’s up for it, he seems to have [upped] another gear,” commented Estephan. “He’s quite a bit more receptive to instructions. I think he realized that he has a lot of things he can develop but he was relying on only that one tool and now he’s bringing more to the mix .He’s got more tools in his bag after this camp, that’s for sure.

“It’s a very important fight. The winner goes on to big things and it’s going to be very tough for the loser.”

Vianello (12-2-1, 10 KOs) had a good amateur career and represented Italy at the 2016 Rio Olympics, losing in the Round of 16 to Lenier Pero. He turned professional in 2018. He won 10 of his first 11, the lone blemish being a draw. The 30-year-old was surprisingly stopped by Jonathan Rice (TKO 7), while ahead on all three scorecards. The 6’6” fighter rebounded with two wins before narrowly losing to Ajagba (SD 10) in April.

Both are big punchers, though Makhmudov will start as favorite but this could be a matter of who lands first. I’ll take Makhmudov to stop Vianello in around five-rounds.

Mbilli-Derevyanchenko, plus undercard bouts, will be broadcast on ESPN at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT.

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Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at [email protected].

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