Tyson Fury returns to the ring on Saturday against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, eight months after retiring following a second straight points defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.
The 37-year-old Fury has gone 34 fights since turning professional in 2008, with 34 wins, two losses and one draw, and his comeback arrives with the heavyweight picture still shaped by Usyk’s grip on the belts. Fury has already beaten Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to win the WBA (Super), IBF and WBO titles, then took the WBC crown from Deontay Wilder in 2020, but the question now is whether another path to the top still exists.
Makhmudov, 36, brings 21 wins, 19 of them by stoppage, and two defeats into the bout after beating Briton Dave Allen by unanimous decision in October. Steve Bunce called him a “really risky opponent” because of the momentum he has built from that win, while Natasha Jonas said every heavyweight fight carries danger because “it only takes one shot,” though Fury’s class and experience should help him cope.
Not everyone sees the matchup the same way. Fabio Wardley described Makhmudov as a very well-picked opponent and stylistically close to ideal for Fury, and Joe Gallagher said the Russian comes forward in straight lines, which should suit Fury’s boxing brain and ability. Wardley also said he cannot see Fury becoming a world champion again in the current state of the division unless he faces either himself or Usyk, while adding that fractured titles or a stripped belt could open another route.
That divide reflects the wider heavyweight reality. Fury has retired before and returned, and few in the sport truly believed he was gone for good. Bunce said Fury can definitely become champion again if Usyk gives up one or more belts, and Gallagher said the race is on between Fury and Anthony Joshua to become a three-time world champion, with Croke Park in September mentioned as a possible stage for that fight. For now, though, Saturday is about whether Fury can make the comeback look inevitable again.
