Guido Vianello vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov: Picks, Predictions and Odds

Guido Vianello and Arslanbek Makhmudov are fighting to remain relevant in a thriving heavyweight division, and will battle it out on Saturday, August 17.

Both men have endured recent setbacks.

The Italian dropped a split decision against Efe Ajagba in April, while ‘The Lion’ suffered a shock defeat to Agit Kabayel in December 2023.

Rio 2016 Olympian Vianello had the Nigerian in trouble early on, rocking his opponent in the second round and continuing to pour on the pressure in the following frame. Ajagba regained control in the middle portion of the fight, before ‘The Gladiator’ closed strongly.

Canada-based Russian Makhmudov had left a trail of destruction in his wake prior to running into the former European champion. Only Carlos Takam had gone the distance with the 35-year-old in his 18 previous bouts, with 12 of those coming within the first round.

However, Kabayel was able to weather storm before bullying the bully into submission in the fourth stanza. Makhmudov returned to winning ways with a second-round win over Miljan Rovcanin in May.

Guido Vianello vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov betting pick and predictions

Each man carries power, but is also easy to hit: it is a fight which promises to be fun while it lasts.

Makhmudov enters the bout as the -320 favorite, but Vianello is a live underdog which is reflected in the +235 price currently available.

The amateur pedigree of ‘The Gladiator’ is evident as he fights; he has a nice jab, a good right-cross and nimble footwork. The concern for backers of the Italian is that he stays in range too long and is open to the uppercut. On the upside, it is conceivable he could replicate the tactics utilized by Kabayel to such great effect.

Makhmudov too was accomplished in the unpaid ranks, although you would not know by the way he brawls as a professional. The Russian looks to inflict as much damage, as early as possible. Worryingly, he does not appear comfortable when opponents fire back. It remains to be seen whether he can handle the power of his foe.

Ten years ago, they met in the World Series of Boxing, which is fought over five rounds. On that occasion, Makhmudov halted Vianello in the fourth frame.

It is entirely possible a similar result could happen again, but given each boxer has defensive frailties and a fight-ending punch, the pick here is for the war to end in under 7.5 rounds at -120.

John MacDonald's picks

Same Game Parlay: Under 7.5 rounds, Makhmudov to score 1 or more knockdown, Makhmudov to land most punches (+333)

Guido Vianello vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov odds

	Guido Vianello	Arslanbek Makhmudov
Money Line	+235	-320
To Win by KO/TKO/DQ	+450	-105
To Win by Decision/Technical Decision	+750	+250

Odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.