Arslanbek Makhmudov has offered an early prediction for Tyson Fury’s long-awaited clash with Anthony Joshua, believing the winner can make “easy” work of his rival.

The towering Russian locked horns with Fury on Saturday, losing by margins of 119-109 and 120-108, twice, at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But despite his convincing victory, it was hardly a vintage performance from ‘The Gypsy King’, who had not fought since his unanimous decision defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.

Earlier that year, Fury had enjoyed greater success against the Ukrainian, but ultimately lost a split decision after suffering a ninth-round knockdown.

Having returned to the win column, though, the 37-year-old is now angling for a clash with Joshua, who he called out shortly after outpointing Makhmudov.

In response, Joshua simply remained in his ringside seat and accused his rival of being a “clout chaser”, clearly feeling no urge to engage in a face-off.

There, however, a genuine interest, from both sides, in their potential showdown, which most will argue should have occurred several years ago.

At this stage in their careers, it seems difficult to identify a favourite, yet Makhmudov has told Boxing King Media that he can only envision a Fury victory.

“I gave him very hard firefight. Of course, maybe I did not enough to win, but I did a good fight and gave him good punch.

“Now, he’s ready for Joshua. 100% he can beat him. I think he beat him easy now.”

Joshua has not fought since his sixth-round finish over Jake Paul in December, which was followed by the tragic car crash that took the lives of his two close friends. His team is still planning a ‘warm-up’ fight before facing Fury towards the end of the year.