Tyson Fury returned to boxing to beat Arslanbek Makmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
He secured a wide unanimous decision over Makhmudov, with Anthony Joshua, his great rival, watching intently from ringside.
Fury had retired from the sport for 16 months after two losses to reigning world champion Oleksandr Usyk, but elected to make a comeback and selected the strong but predictable Makhmudov to be his opponent.
Fury’s Emotional Tribute to Ricky Hatton
In his first contest in a British ring since 2022, Fury made his entrance with an emotional tribute to his great friend Ricky Hatton, the British boxing legend who died last year.
He played out Hatton’s signature Blue Moon music and wore shorts in the style of Hatton’s.
But the sombre arrival erupted into ecstatic cheers as fireworks and flames burst around Fury as he stood before the stadium crowd on a raised platform. Fury danced, grinned and fed off that energy. He is 37 years old, he knows he can’t fight forever but with a reception like this no wonder he couldn’t leave boxing behind.
Joshua Waits in the Wings
To add to the heady cocktail of the occasion, Joshua was waiting in the wings. Earlier in the evening Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh, who was staging the event, teased that “the biggest fight in the history of England” between pair was on the brink of being made.
Fury was fighting to prolong his career and to snare potentially the richest prize of his whole career later this year.
Inside the Fight
Makhmudov though is known for being dangerous early on in a fight. He charged into Fury from the opening bell. With Fury moving back in straight lines, he allowed Makhmudov to barrel him into the ropes.
The Russian swept down his right on Fury, threatening early in the fight. These were frantic and clumsy rushes, but they meant Fury needed to take his measure and establish control.
In the second round Makhmudov wandered out of position after a wild attack and Fury smacked punches into him to trigger a huge roar from the crowd. He thumped in another punch to get another cheer, leaving Makhmudov shrugging his head and neck to shake off the effects of it at the end of the session.
In the third round Fury lashed down a one-two. With a fierce jab the former champion moved onto the front foot. Fury landed his right hook as Makhmudov hurled a punch himself, and momentarily the Russian’s legs appeared to buckle beneath him. Fury allowed himself a smile as he leant on to him.
In the fourth round Makhmudov caught Fury with his left. Lunging at Fury, Makhmudov stranded himself on the ropes.
With Anthony Joshua looking on, “the biggest fight in the history of England” between pair beckons for later in the year.