Tyson Fury, with a record of 34 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw including 24 knockouts, is ending his retirement to return to the ring. He will face Arslanbek Makhmudov, who holds a 21-2 record with 19 KOs, in a heavyweight bout set for April 11th in England. This announcement was made by Fury and The Ring on Wednesday.
This upcoming fight marks Fury’s first in the UK since defeating Derek Chisora for the third time in December 2022, after which his last three fights took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fury, a former heavyweight champion, last fought on December 24, 2024, suffering his second consecutive unanimous decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk—his only defeat blemishing an otherwise stellar career. Now 37 years old, Fury will be taking on 36-year-old Makhmudov.
Expressing enthusiasm for his comeback, Fury stated, “I’m excited to be back. Heart has always been in boxing and will always be in boxing. Someone please tell the king that the ace is back!” For Makhmudov, this bout will be the most significant of his career so far. Despite Fury’s long hiatus, he remains the favorite to win. The Russian heavyweight has won only 3 of his last 5 fights but is known for bringing exciting action to the ring, as only two of his 23 fights have gone the distance.
“I’m thrilled about this chance. I’m here to wage war,” commented Mahmudov. “Tyson Fury was a great champion. I’m ready to leave with a bigger W than ever.” The fight is scheduled to air on Netflix on April 11th, though the venue and full undercard are yet to be confirmed.
Fury’s return was somewhat expected, with earlier plans hinting at a potential showdown with Anthony Joshua in 2026. Joshua’s boxing future remains uncertain due to an injury sustained during a fight, and it is unclear if the anticipated Fury vs. Joshua match, originally slated for late December, will still happen. Regardless, Fury’s comeback this spring indicates he is preparing for a possible clash with Joshua or another shot at the heavyweight title later this year.
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Fan Take: Tyson Fury’s return is a landmark moment for boxing fans eager to see one of the sport’s most charismatic fighters back in action. This fight not only rekindles excitement in the heavyweight division but could also set the stage for high-stakes bouts that define the next chapter of boxing’s legacy.
