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Fury steps back into the ring against Makhmudov
Two-time heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury will fight Arslanbek Makhmudov this Saturday at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, marking his first bout since retiring-and then unretiring-following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in late 2024.
The opponent: A calculated choice?
Makhmudov, a 36-year-old Russian standing 6ft 6in, enters the fight with a record of 21 wins (19 by knockout) and two defeats. His most recent victory came in October, when he outpointed British heavyweight Dave Allen. Despite his power, he remains a significant underdog against Fury.
Boxing insiders suggest the matchup is strategic. WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley called Makhmudov "a well-picked opponent" who "looks and sounds the part" but stylistically suits Fury's strengths. Two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas echoed the sentiment, noting that while heavyweight fights are inherently risky, Fury's experience should carry him through.
Analyst Steve Bunce, however, warned that Makhmudov's recent momentum-particularly after his win over Allen-makes him a "risky" choice. Trainer Joe Gallagher agreed that all heavyweights pose danger but argued Makhmudov's straightforward fighting style plays into Fury's tactical advantages.
Can Fury reclaim a world title?
Fury's path back to championship glory appears steep. Wardley dismissed the idea outright, stating, "In the current state of the heavyweight division, I can't see how Fury becomes a world champion again." He cited the dominance of Usyk and himself as obstacles, though he left room for Fury to claim a fractured or vacant belt if circumstances align.
"It will be difficult for anyone to regain a world championship at heavyweight if Usyk doesn't vacate. It all depends on him."
Natasha Jonas
Bunce and Gallagher offered more optimism. Bunce argued that any top-20 heavyweight-including Fury-could vie for a title in the next 12 to 18 months if sanctioning bodies strip or redistribute belts. Gallagher noted that Fury's status as a two-time champion, alongside Anthony Joshua, keeps him in the conversation for a historic third title.
Usyk rematch: A fading dream?
Fury's two consecutive losses to Usyk in 2024 have fueled speculation about a trilogy, but experts are skeptical. Wardley ruled out a victory for Fury in a hypothetical third fight, while Jonas expressed doubt about the rematch materializing at all. "Do I think Fury wins? From a boxing perspective, probably not," she said.
Bunce painted Usyk as a near-insurmountable challenge, suggesting he would likely win all 10 fights against Fury if given the chance. Gallagher, however, pointed to Usyk's vulnerability in their first bout-where he was "one punch away" from defeat-as a glimmer of hope for Fury's camp.
The Joshua question: A fight too late?
A potential showdown between Fury and Joshua has long tantalized British boxing fans, but the window for an optimal matchup may have closed. Wardley lamented the delay, saying, "It should have been five years ago," while Jonas acknowledged the enduring commercial appeal despite both fighters being past their primes.
Bunce struck a more cautious tone, describing the potential bout as a "ghoulish attraction" given Joshua's recent struggles. Gallagher, though, predicted the fight would still generate massive hype, calling it "one of the biggest fights, commercially and fan-wise, in British boxing."
Fury's unorthodox training: Can he go it alone?
Fury has claimed he will enter Saturday's fight without a trainer, though SugarHill Steward-his most recent coach-has been spotted with Team Fury this week. The move has drawn mixed reactions from the boxing community.
Wardley questioned the decision's wisdom, while Jonas emphasized the psychological value of having a corner team. Bunce cited historical precedent, noting that legends like Muhammad Ali often trained independently before relying on trainers like Angelo Dundee for late-camp adjustments.
"A trainer earns his money when things aren't going right... Just think back to Angelo Dundee telling Sugar Ray Leonard, 'You're blowing it, son.'"
Joe Gallagher
Gallagher conceded that Fury's boxing IQ could carry him against Makhmudov but warned that trainers prove their worth in critical moments.
A crossover star with global reach
Fury's appeal extends far beyond the ring. His Netflix reality show, At Home with the Furys, and ventures into WWE have cemented his status as British boxing's biggest crossover star. Wardley called him "the biggest commercial crossover boxer at the moment," while Gallagher argued he edges out Joshua in global recognition.
Jonas highlighted Fury's authenticity as a key draw: "He says what he feels and has his own views and opinions. Rightly or wrongly, he portrays that. And people can relate to him because he doesn't pretend to be perfect." Bunce, however, placed Fury and Joshua on equal footing in terms of cultural impact.
The fight against Makhmudov will stream live on Netflix, which boasts 325 million subscribers, further amplifying Fury's reach.
