Tyson Fury Returns After Defeats by Oleksandr Usyk
Tyson Fury is set to return to heavyweight boxing after a 15-month hiatus, facing Arslanbek Makhmudov this Saturday in London. The two-time heavyweight world champion will compete against the Russian contender at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
At 37 years old, Fury aims to recover from back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, which led to a brief retirement from boxing. His opponent, Makhmudov, stands 6ft 6in tall and has recorded 19 stoppages in 21 wins, though he has suffered two defeats.
With prospects of a potential fight against Anthony Joshua or another world title opportunity, Fury looks to secure a victorious comeback and reestablish himself in the heavyweight division.
Fury v Makhmudov - Key Information
Will 36-year-old Makhmudov cause an upset in North London? consulted various boxing figures for their predictions ahead of Saturday's bout.
Lennox Lewis - Heavyweight Legend
"It's going to be a Tyson Fury fight where he goes out there and does what he wants. He's elusive, moves well, he can throw great combinations plus he's quick. I think he does it in round seven or eight."
Natasha Jonas - Former Two-Weight World Champion
"Fury is unpredictable. He can be either on fire against the likes of Deontay Wilder or a bit lacklustre and does what he needs to do against the likes of Otto Wallin. But I still expect him to win, regardless of which Fury turns up."
Conor Benn - Welterweight
"There isn't any advice you can give him. He knows what he is doing. The big man knows what he is doing. He has been boxing before I was born. So, he has taken on a challenge, and a tough test. It isn't going to be a pushover, but ultimately, I back Fury to win."
David Haye - Retired Heavyweight
"Tyson does take shots. He will want to get through the rounds, winning them but not taking any damage. Not get hit by Makhmudov, because as you get older your punch resistance doesn't get better."
Moses Itauma - British Heavyweight
"Tyson Fury, easy. A cheeky little points victory."
Shane McGuigan - Boxing Trainer
"Makhmudov is tailor made for Fury. He's tall but he's straight up and down. He's a decent puncher but not ferocious. You can switch him off with a bit of head movement. Fury isn't the best body puncher but works the body well and Makhmudov has been stopped to the body before. I don't think it will be early, but I think Fury will break him apart and Makhmudov is vulnerable enough that Fury should be able to take him out late on."
Fabio Wardley - WBO Heavyweight World Champion
"I am going for Fury on points. It may not be particularly easy but I do think he wins by a pretty clean and comfortable decision."
Joe Gallagher - Boxing Trainer
"All heavyweight opponents are dangerous. Stylistically, though, I think Makhmudov is made for Fury. He comes in straight lines and Fury's boxing brain and ability should be too much. If he stays switched on, I expect Fury to win it on points or a round nine or 10 stoppage."
Dillian Whyte - Heavyweight
"It's a dangerous fight for Tyson early because Makhmudov is a big guy and a hard puncher. I think he should rush Tyson early and that's his best chance. If he lets Tyson get in a rhythm, get his feet back and start jabbing then he will outbox him and stop him in eight rounds."
Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva - British Heavyweight Champion
"I think a points win for Fury. Fury has the ability to outbox him. He's had some time off, he should come back fresher."
Regis Prograis - American Fighter
"For me, at one point in time I had Tyson Fury as the best heavyweight in the world. It's hard to bet against him. He might have lost a step or two, but I've still got Tyson Fury."
Richard Riakporhe - British Heavyweight
"I believe Fury's going to win by TKO."
Boxing schedule and results 2026
Watch every Born to Brawl episode
More Boxing from the BBC
Notifications, social media and more with
