sports
‘Mum, I have to go to Moscow as I am fighting a bear’: Makhmudov on Russia’s grizzlies, God and Tyson Fury
The heavyweight from Dagestan now lives in Canada and describes Saturday’s opponent as the ‘professor’ of boxing

TL;DR
- Arslanbek Makhmudov shows considerable respect for Tyson Fury, calling him the 'professor' of mind and boxing.
- Makhmudov believes the fight will be a 'war between mental and spiritual,' with him leaning on spiritual strength.
- He acknowledges Fury's high boxing IQ and his ability to change fights, calling him a legend.
- Despite facing a potentially hostile crowd, Makhmudov remains confident, attributing his strength to his faith in God.
- Makhmudov shared details of his challenging upbringing in Dagestan, marked by poverty and war.
- He now lives in Canada with his family but identifies strongly as Dagestani.
- Makhmudov discussed two past losses, attributing one to a broken hand and the other to vision impairment during the fight, maintaining a philosophical outlook.
- He recounted a surreal experience of fighting a bear in Moscow, stating he would never do it again.