Tyson Fury will return on April 11 when he takes on heavyweight contender Arslanbek Makhmudov in a bout to be broadcast live by Netflix. The former heavyweight champion, 37 years old, hasn’t fought since losing for the second time to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.
Fury, 34-2-1 (24 KOs), announced his retirement following that 12-round unanimous decision loss which came seven months after Usyk had claimed undisputed recognition in their first bout, seven months earlier, on a split verdict. Fury, however, confirmed that he would be making a comeback at the start of this year.
Makhmudov, 21-2 (19 KOs), had since been the favorite to greet Fury from his layoff. The 36-year-old Russian, who resides in Canada, saw his career falter when he was stopped by Agit Kabayel in four rounds in 2023 and in eight by Guido Vianello the following year. His most recent bout, a 12-round points success over Dave Allen, rejuvenated his fortunes somewhat and heightened his profile in the UK, where this bout against Fury is set to take place.
The venue for the event, which will be staged by The Ring, is yet to be confirmed but will mark Fury's first appearance on home soil since he bullied Derek Chisora for 10 one-sided rounds in December 2022.
"Excited to be back," Fury said in a release circulated on social media. "Heart's always been and always will be in boxing. Someone go tell the king that the ace is back."
The comeback is set to coincide with the Netflix releases of Fury, a feature length documentary on the "Gypsy King", and a second season of the popular At Home With The Furys.
Gabe Spitzer, Vice President of Sports at Netflix, said: "His career has been defined by beating the odds and there in an undeniable electricity when he fights."
