Tyson Fury confirms return to boxing with upcoming fight against Makhmudov
Tyson Fury has officially confirmed his return to professional boxing following over 12 months away from the sport, reports BritPanorama.
The former heavyweight champion stepped away from the ring in January 2025 after suffering consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk during their two encounters in 2024. Now, ‘The Gypsy King’ is set to end his retirement and pursue world titles once more.
Fury will face Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April at a UK venue, with the contest being streamed live on Netflix. The Russian opponent represents Fury’s first step on what he hopes will be a path back to championship glory.
During Fury’s time on the sidelines, Usyk has maintained his position as the dominant force in heavyweight boxing, reclaiming undisputed status before opting to relinquish his WBO title in November. That belt now belongs to Fabio Wardley, who has emerged as a potential future opponent for Fury should his comeback prove successful. Despite recent setbacks, Fury’s professional record remains remarkable, with Usyk being the sole fighter to have defeated him throughout his entire career.
The 11 April clash with Makhmudov offers the British star an opportunity to demonstrate he still possesses the qualities that made him a two-time world champion. Makhmudov enters this contest having secured a unanimous decision victory against Dave Allen in Sheffield back in October. However, the challenge posed by Fury represents a significant step up in competition for the Russian heavyweight. Should Fury emerge victorious, a world title opportunity could follow.
Earlier this week, the British fighter indicated his willingness to take on WBO champion Wardley later in 2026. Such a bout would give Fury the chance to claim heavyweight gold for a third time in his career. Before any title aspirations can be realised, though, Fury must first navigate the test presented by Makhmudov on 11 April.
Fury spoke this week about his championship ambitions, stating: “Like I said, let’s see how I am looking in my return fight, then later in 2026 this would be a good option for me to try [and] become [three-time] heavyweight champion.” On Wardley, he noted: “[Fabio] has a hard fight himself coming up soon.” The anticipation builds not just around Fury’s return, but about how he might play a significant role in the heavyweight landscape once more.
In the end, boxing fans will be watching closely to see if ‘The Gypsy King’ can reclaim his place at the top, highlighting the ongoing drama of a sport where the past never truly stays buried.
