Tyson Fury has once again decided against retirement and plans to make his “sweet science” return opposite Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 in the United Kingdom. The entire card, which has yet to be revealed, will stream exclusively on Netflix as the combat sports industry continues to distance itself from the pay-per-view (PPV) model.
Fans on social media are calling the Makhmudov fight a “tune up” for bigger and better opportunities.
“I think Arslanbek Makhmudov is a good shout for Tyson Fury,” retired heavyweight titleholder David Price told 247Bet. ”He’s coming off a good win against Dave Allen, so it would carry merit, and he could do a number on him. That’s not to say that Dave Allen’s in the same league as Tyson Fury, but Makhmudov is a bit of a name. People are aware of who Makhmudov is, and he’d put a good performance in against Fury.“
Fury is currently the -800 favorite against +485 for Makhmudov, according to BetOnline.ag.
Fury vs. Makhmudov could pave the way for Oleksandr Usyk vs. Deontay Wilder.
“Fury cannot fight anyone who would be seen as a drop in levels from where he’s been at the last few years, because Fury needs to get motivated,” Price added. “It’s important that he fights someone who’s got a bit of notoriety about them, like Makhmudov. Anything can happen in boxing. It’s all about the strategy and the tactics on the night. When it comes to the day of the fight, either Fury or his opponent could do the job.”
The 37 year-old Fury (34-2-1) called it quits following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk back in 2024, claiming it was “a young man’s game.” Then just a few weeks back, “The Gypsy King” declared his intent to return because “he had nothing better to do.” Makhmudov (21-2), now 36, is coming off back-to-back wins over Ricardo Brown and David Allen in 2025, the latter of which landed the Russian “Lion” the WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title.
