Tony Bellew has named an alternative option for Tyson Fury, as he prepares to make his return to the ring.
Fury, who announced his comeback to boxing earlier this month following a near year-long retirement, is ramping up his training camp in Thailand, with his manager Spencer Brown targeting an April return.
Brown confirmed to Pro Boxing Fans that Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov, who defeated Dave Allen in October, is part of a shortlist to face ‘The Gypsy King’.
Bellew though believes former heavyweight world champion, Andy Ruiz Jr would be an ideal comeback opponent.
Ruiz Jr, 36, who famously knocked out Anthony Joshua in New York to win the unified heavyweight championship, hasn’t fought since being held to a majority draw with Jarrell Miller in August 2024.
“I saw a list the other day of possible opponents for Tyson Fury,” Bellew told Fightlens.
“They said Agit Kabayel.
“They said Fabio Wardley.
“Andy Ruiz would be a good comeback opponent.
“[WBA ‘regular’ champion, Murat] Gassiev was mentioned in there.
“There was about five of them.”
Fury has not fought since a second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last December.
The Morecambe man suffered a unanimous decision loss to the Ukrainian, seven months after being edged out by split decision for the undisputed heavyweight crown.
The 37-year-old has declared his interest in a showdown with WBO heavyweight world champion, Fabio Wardley as well as a third bout with Usyk.
The former two-time heavyweight world champion has retired and returned on multiple occasions throughout his career and concedes his latest comeback could have lasting effects on his health.
“I’m 38 this year,” he said in an Instagram video.
“I love to fight. I have zero other interests only fighting.
“At the end of it all I’ll be punchier than a motherf***** and I’ll probably end up in a wheelchair like the rest of them all.
“Punched to death.
“Don’t know if it’s Tuesday, Wednesday or December, but it’s the game I chose.”
