NEW YORK — Magomedrasul Majidov has the kind of amateur credentials that other boxers would drool over.
The Azerbaijan heavyweight won three amateur world championships: 2011, 2013 and 2017. The first world crown had him edging a baby-faced Anthony Joshua on points a few days shy of AJ's 22nd birthday. It was a riveting bout, one that Majidov won in his home country in front of the president and still remembers to this day.
“Joshua was strong, even by that time,” Majidov said of the Brit who went on to become unified world heavyweight champion and could reclaim that throne with a victory over Andy Ruiz Jr. on Dec. 7 . “He was a very good opponent for me, and it was a great fight between us. And even at that time, I saw that this guy had a vision professionally, so I’m happy for him that he’s on that level right now."
Majidov wouldn’t fare as well against Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated him in the World Series of Boxing in 2013. However, that's nothing to be ashamed of, considering that Usyk went on to become the undisputed cruiserweight champion as a pro and is now trying his hand in the heavyweight division himself.
After nearly eight years since that signature amateur victory over Joshua, Majidov, too, will see what he can do as a professional. Earlier in the week, Matchroom Boxing USA announced that it officially signed Majidov to a long-term promotional deal and that he’ll be making his highly-anticipated pro debut Friday night at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, live on DAZN . He’ll be facing Ed Fountain (12-6, 5 KOs) on the undercard of Devin Haney vs. Zaur Abdullaev .
At 32, and turning 33 later this month, Majidov feels like he’s in a race against time to register instant tremors as a pro.
“We spoke with (Matchroom Boxing president) Eddie (Hearn), and told him I’m ready to go to get on a fast track,” Majidov said to DAZN News through a translator. “I’m 32, but still young and ready to take over. All I need now is an opportunity, and I’m going to change the heavyweight division.”
When asked why he didn't turn pro sooner, the hulking 6-3 heavyweight kept rather mum, but spun the narrative forward about the impact he could still have, instead.
"There were a couple of reasons why I didn’t want to turn pro before," he said. "But after all the world championships and everything, my friend told me, ‘You need to turn pro because you could do something there.’
"I don’t feel old," he continued. "I feel still young and have everything to show. You must understand, I started boxing at 19. I came to boxing old.
"I’m not turning pro because (of defeating) Joshua," he added. "I’m going to beat everyone who will be in my way. Joshua is just one them. I’m here to take over."
Flashing a huge grin across his face, Majidov can't wait for American boxing fans to see him fight, beginning with his clash against journeyman Fountain on Friday night.
He says then that people will learn his blunt, but eye-pleasing fighting style.
"Go forward and break them all," Majidov said smiling.
The heavyweight division is officially on notice.