Tyson Fury will make his return to the ring against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The 37-year-old Fury retired following a second consecutive points defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024. Fury has a history of retiring and then coming back. Questions remain about what the Gypsy King has left to offer in boxing.
Makhmudov a Risky Opponent
Makhmudov, 36, has a record of 21 wins, 19 by stoppage, and two defeats. The 6ft 6in Russian beat Briton Dave Allen by unanimous decision in October but is a strong underdog against Fury.
Fabio Wardley believes Makhmudov is a well-picked opponent. Wardley says he looks and sounds the part – a strong, aggressive and powerful Russian – but stylistically he’s kind of perfect for Fury.
Natasha Jonas believes that every fight at heavyweight is a tough fight, adding that it only takes one shot. However, she expects someone of Fury’s class and experience to handle him.
Steve Bunce thinks Makhmudov is a really risky opponent for Fury because he has momentum after that win over Dave Allen.
Joe Gallagher states that all heavyweight opponents are dangerous. He believes Fury’s boxing brain and ability should be too much for Makhmudov because he comes in straight lines.
Fury’s Chances of Another World Title
Fury has twice been world champion. He beat Wladimir Klitschko to win the WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO belts in 2015, and claimed the WBC title in 2020 with victory over Deontay Wilder.
Wardley doesn’t see how Fury becomes a world champion again in the current state of the heavyweight division. He believes Fury would have to fight either him or Usyk, and he doesn’t think he can beat either of them.
Wardley adds that if the titles get fractured and Fury fights someone like Lawrence Okolie or Agit Kabayel for a vacant title, then he can become champion.
Jonas says it will be difficult for anyone to regain a world championship at heavyweight if Usyk doesn’t vacate. She adds that it all depends on him.
Bunce says anybody in the top 20 or so heavyweights could become a champion in the next 12 to 18 months. He believes Fury can definitely become a champion again, especially if Usyk decides to give up one, two, or even all of his belts.
Gallagher thinks Fury can become champion again. He says it all depends on the sanctioning bodies and what happens with vacant belts and stripping champions. He notes that Fury is a two-time world champion – as is Anthony Joshua – and he is sure the race is on between them to be a three-time champion.
- Fury has 34 wins, two losses and one draw
- Makhmudov has 21 wins, 19 by stoppage, and two defeats
- Croke Park could stage Fury v Joshua in September
Fury’s two career defeats came against Oleksandr Usyk.