Tyson Fury Announces Comeback Fight Against Arslanbek Makhmudov

LONDON (Azat TV) – Former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is set to end his 16-month retirement, with an official announcement confirming his return to the ring on April 11, 2026. The ‘Gypsy King’ will face Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, a development revealed during a launch press conference on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Fury’s comeback marks his first bout since December 2024, when he suffered a second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. His highly anticipated return aims to re-energize the heavyweight division, a sentiment Fury himself echoed with characteristic bravado at the press conference.

Fury’s ‘Make Boxing Great Again’ Declaration

At the Monday press conference, Tyson Fury, known for his provocative statements, proclaimed his mission to ‘make boxing great again.’ Comparing himself to former US President Donald Trump, Fury asserted that the sport experiences a decline whenever he is not actively fighting. ‘Since I retired for a fifth time, boxing has gone on a downward slope, it’s become quite boring. Boxing is at its maximum potential when Tyson Fury is actively fighting,’ Fury stated, according to DAZN. He emphasized his unique ability to draw attention, stating, ‘I bring a circus, I bring an entourage, I bring entertainment, I bring action, I bring cameras, I bring everything to the sport.’

Despite Fury’s claims, the heavyweight division has seen significant activity, with WBO champion Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois scheduled for a major clash, and unified champion Oleksandr Usyk ordered to face Agit Kabayel. However, Fury’s undeniable charisma and showmanship are widely acknowledged to boost the sport’s popularity.

Arslanbek Makhmudov: The Comeback Opponent

Tyson Fury’s opponent, Arslanbek Makhmudov, presents a formidable challenge. The 6ft 5in Russian heavyweight boasts an impressive professional record of 21 wins, with 19 by knockout. His two professional defeats came via TKO against Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello. Makhmudov, 36, is currently on a two-fight win streak, having revived his career in 2025 and recently outpointed Dave Allen to secure the WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title.

During the press conference, Fury did not hold back on his predictions for the fight. ‘I’m looking forward to punching his face in, it’s been a while and I missed it,’ Fury declared, as reported by DAZN. He confidently predicted a sixth-round knockout, stating, ‘How does it end? Probably a big right-hand KO. Round six, why not?’

Behind Fury’s Return and Heavyweight Dynamics

Fury’s decision to return comes after a series of retirements and unretirements throughout his career. One significant factor he cited for his latest comeback was ‘a tragedy that happened with Anthony Joshua,’ referring to a car crash in Nigeria that took the lives of two of Joshua’s teammates, as reported by AOL. Fury reflected on the fragility of life, stating, ‘The bible says tomorrow is not a gift, tomorrow ain’t promised, tomorrow is a mystery.’ This event, occurring just days after Joshua’s knockout win over Jake Paul, reportedly influenced Fury’s perspective on his own boxing future.

While Fury’s return dominates headlines, the broader heavyweight landscape remains vibrant. Other significant matchups and title defenses are underway, demonstrating a robust period for boxing, even without Fury’s active participation. Nonetheless, his presence is expected to amplify interest and draw a massive audience, with more than 60,000 fans expected at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tyson Fury’s return is poised to be a significant event for boxing, not only due to his athletic prowess but also because of his unparalleled ability to generate spectacle and conversation, ensuring that his presence profoundly impacts the sport’s visibility and engagement.