Tyson Fury to face Makhmudov in highly anticipated comeback bout

Tyson Fury to Face Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is set to return to the ring on Saturday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he will face 36-year-old Russian-born heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov. The bout marks Fury’s first fight in 15 months.

Fury, 37, has a record of 34-2-1 and 24 knockouts, while Makhmudov holds a record of 21-2 with 19 knockouts. The two fighters met at a pre-fight news conference in London on Thursday.

According to Fury, his focus is solely on the upcoming fight against Makhmudov. “I don’t want to mention names when I’ve got a dangerous fighter in front of me,” he said. “The rest can get a hiding but I need to give Makhmudov a hiding first.”

Fury also hinted at future plans, stating that he will focus on the current fight before potentially facing Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk. He retired from boxing after his second loss to Usyk in 2024 and has since made several comebacks.

Makhmudov, who wrestled a bear for fun as a child, downplayed suggestions that Fury’s lack of competitive ring time would be an issue. “It’s not a problem for him because of his experience,” he said.

Fury’s father, John, had previously stated that Tyson was “past his best” after the three-fight series against Deontay Wilder. However, Tyson insisted on Thursday that he still has his speed and reaction time. The fight against Makhmudov will take place at the 80,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Fury’s return to boxing was motivated by the death of Anthony Joshua’s friends in a car crash last year. “You have got to live every day like it is your last,” Fury said.

Source: Al Jazeera