Tyson Fury’s return to the ring has been confirmed, and the fight between “The Gypsy King” and Arslanbek Makhmudov will take place on April 11.
The fight will take place 15 months after Fury announced his final retirement in January 2025.
The decision followed back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, and while it wasn’t the first time Fury had retired, he remained busy both in the gym and on social media throughout the year.
Now one of boxing’s greatest starts and personalities will return, but who is his opponent Makhmudov and what threat could he pose to Fury?
Who is Arslanbek Makhmudov?
Arslanbek Makhmudov is a Russian heavyweight boxer living in Canada. He fought professionally 23 times, with 21 wins and two losses. 19 of his wins were by knockout.
The 6-foot-5, 36-year-old will be a physical challenge for Fury. It usually reaches a weight of 260 pounds.
Makhmudov became known to a wider audience of British boxing fans last year when he defeated Dave Allen on points in Sheffield.
Who did Makhmudov fight?
Although Makhmudov has a good record (21-2, 19 KO), he has not yet reached the level of a world champion. In December 2023, he failed to defeat WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel, losing by knockout in the 4th round.
However, in addition to his victory over Allen, Makhmudov defeated former Anthony Joshua opponent Carlos Takam.
What chances does Makhmudov have?
As Fury undoubtedly wants to fight for world titles before finally walking away from boxing forever, Makhmudov was chosen as a rather tough but beatable opponent.
Fury cannot afford to lose, and Makhmudov is the perfect opponent who can shake off the ring rust acquired during a year-long exodus before moving on to bigger and better things.
But as always in the heavyweight division, every fighter has a chance. Makhmudov is substantial, forceful and can punch. His 19 knockouts prove this.
Fury is a much better fighter, but if he boxes intelligent, Makhmudov can give Fury a headache or two.
Where could the fight take place?
An official location for the fight has not been announced, but it will take place in the UK and will be streamed on Netflix.
Considering Fury is such a superstar, you’d expect him to fight in a enormous stadium rather than an arena.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he faced Derek Chisora in his last English fight in 2022, will open on April 11, with Tottenham playing away in the Premier League against Sunderland.
Currently, Tottenham will play at the stadium again only a week after the fight.
Wembley Stadium, where Fury defeated Dillian Whyte in April 2022, has no events scheduled for April 11, but will host an England women’s national team match against Spain on April 14, which could cause logistical problems.
Aged Trafford – the home of Fury’s beloved Manchester United – has hosted boxing matches in the past, but Manchester United will host Leeds United on April 11.