Tyson Fury has announced his return to the boxing ring after a long lay-off and it has been confirmed he will face Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Makhmudov will look to cause a huge upset on April 11th, coming into the bout a heavy underdog against Fury.
Makhmudov is a Russian heavyweight who stands at a massive 6’6”, so will not be hugely outsized by Fury, who is 6’9”.
He turned professional in 2017 and was unbeaten until his 18th fight.
In his impressive unbeaten run, Makhmudov stopped 17 of the men in front of him.
The Russian has become accustomed to early knockouts, with 17 stoppages coming before the start of the fourth round.
Makhmudov was last in action in early October, where he took on fan favourite Dave Allen.
He picked up a unanimous decision victory in front of a packed Sheffield Arena.
His win against Allen was actually his first time fighting on British soil and he will be fighting there once again in April.
Makhmudov has been around the world stage for a few years now, first announcing himself with a first-round stoppage over Junior Anthony Wright in 2023.
That win came on Riyadh Season’s first real boxing show: Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou.
Credit: Stephen Dunkley/Queensberry Promotions
The 36-year-old was given another shot on a Riyadh Season card against unbeaten German Agit Kabayel.
On the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin, he was completely outclassed. Makhmudov was dropped three times in their fight before being stopped in the fourth.
Kabayel has gone on to be one of the best heavyweights on the planet with wins over Zhilei Zhang and Frank Sanchez. He will be looking to get a shot at challenging Oleksandr Usyk for his world titles in the future.
Following the loss to Kabayel, Makhmudov returned against Miljan Rovcanin, who he stopped in the second round.
Makhmudov didn’t stay on winning form very long however, losing his next fight against Guido Vianello in Canada.
He was stopped in the eighth round following a nasty cut.
The Russian has fought twice since that final loss, winning both in emphatic fashion.
He spoke to The Ring Magazine and revealed how he feels ahead of his fight with Fury.
“I am thrilled about the opportunity.
“I’m coming to deliver a war.
“Tyson Fury has been a big champion.
“I will be more ready than ever to leave with a massive W.”
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Fury vs Makhmudov is set to take place on April 11th in the United Kingdom.
