Heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov will defend his NABF title against veteran Carlos Takam on September 16 at the Cabaret du Casino de Montreal.

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“Finding an athlete who agrees to face Makhmudov, and who will be able to make him progress, is almost mission impossible,” noted Antonin Décarie, director at Eye of the Tiger Management, in a press release sent Wednesday. We are therefore proud to be able to present this duel of international caliber to our supporters, while being worried about the outcome of it.

Undefeated in 14 fights, Makhmudov (14-0, 14 KOs) certainly doesn’t have an easy customer with Takam (39-6-1, 28 KOs), although the latter is now elderly 41 years old.

“Carlos Takam arrives with the experience, the background and above all the power to come and cause the spoilsport,” said Décarie. September 16 is going to be a crucial step for Arslanbek’s progress.

In the undercard bouts, the NABF middleweight title held by Steven Butler (30-3-1, 25 KOs) will also be on the line as he faces, in tonight’s semifinals , the American Mark DeLuca (28-3, 16 K.-O.).