Tyson Fury claims to be “ready” for massive fight after facing Makhmudov.
Tyson Fury will be returning to the ring this Saturday in his first fight since December of 2024.
“The Gypsy King” takes on Arslanbek Makhmudov, a 6’5½” Russian with 19 knockouts in 21 wins, 17 of those knockouts coming in three rounds or less.
Makhmudov was once a feared force in the heavyweight division. However, after crumbling to Agit Kabayel and having his limitations exemplified by Guido Vianello, his stock has decreased in value.
However, Makhmudov is possibly the most intimidating-looking man in the sport, and it’s for this reason (and the fact that he can still very much punch) that a comeback fight against him is so marketable despite his flaws.
Plus, Makhmudov made his mark on England in October, having beaten home favourite Dave Allen on away soil in Sheffield.
On the 11th of April, Makhmudov faces a heavyweight of an entirely different calibre, and the big question surrounds whether the 37-year-old Fury has collected too much rust to shake off this time.
We will see in due time. However, Fury has commented on a long-awaited fight before his showdown this week, one that everyone in boxing has wanted to see.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Fury commented on a mega event against Anthony Joshua, saying, “If it happens, great. If it doesn’t happen, also great. I’ve got Arslanbek Makhmudov to think of on Saturday night, but all going well, [Joshua is] the fight I want next.”
Once upon a time, a Fury vs. Joshua fight would have been for the undisputed championship. Alas, it would now be for no belts.
This is a contest that has eluded the boxing world for almost a decade, and that’s despite Fury and Joshua being the two biggest names in British boxing by far.
Were it made now, it would still undoubtedly do very big numbers.
Joshua’s fighting future is unclear, as the Londoner has been through some very harrowing personal events recently. However, it is expected that he will return to the ring this year, and a showdown with Fury would still captivate the boxing public.
“I know he just had his fight with Jake Paul. Whatever … a fight’s a fight, really”, Fury said. “So, yeah, I’ll be ready for that straight away after this.”
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