Is Fury Ready to Dazzle in the Ring Against Makhmudov?

Tyson Fury, the heavyweight boxing champion, has announced his comeback to the ring, vowing to "make boxing great again" as he prepares to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April 2026 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Fury’s return comes after a year-long retirement, and he aims to inject excitement back into the sport, which he believes has recently become stagnant.

Last updated: 11 March 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

Tyson Fury is set to return to the boxing ring after a lengthy hiatus, with his match against the Russian boxer Arslanbek Makhmudov being positioned as a pivotal moment for both fighters. This bout marks Fury's first in the UK since December 2022 and is expected to attract significant attention, given Fury's status in the sport and the burgeoning popularity of boxing in recent years. The event will be broadcast on Netflix, broadening its reach to a global audience.

Key takeaways

Tyson Fury aims to revitalise boxing with his comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov.
The fight will take place on 11 April 2026 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Fury has not fought in the UK since December 2022 and last retired in January 2025.
The match will be broadcast on Netflix, introducing boxing to a wider audience.
Makhmudov, nicknamed 'The Lion', holds an impressive knockout record.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey leading to Fury's comeback has been punctuated by key events in his career and the sport at large:

December 2022: Fury stops Derek Chisora at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
January 2025: Fury announces his retirement for the fifth time after losing to Oleksandr Usyk.
October 2025: Makhmudov wins against Dave Allen, further solidifying his own reputation.
March 2026: Fury announces his comeback fight against Makhmudov for 11 April.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Fury's recent news conference showcased his enthusiasm and determination to reclaim his position in boxing. He expressed a desire to bring excitement back into the sport, reflecting on the personal and professional motivations behind his return. For the first time, this match will be streamed on Netflix, which could significantly enhance viewership.

What was already established

Fury's previous retirement and his record of 34 wins, 24 of which are by knockout, establish him as a formidable opponent. His rivalry with Usyk and the anticipation surrounding a potential match with Anthony Joshua have been ongoing narratives in the boxing world. Makhmudov's credentials as a rising star with a strong knockout ratio also add depth to this matchup.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As Fury's return promises to reignite interest in boxing, it could lead to increased ticket sales and viewership, positively impacting the local economy. The event at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will likely draw in fans, providing a boost to hospitality and retail sectors in the area.

Businesses and jobs

The fight will create numerous jobs related to event management, security, and hospitality services. Additionally, the involvement of a major streaming platform like Netflix could lead to new opportunities in media and marketing for boxing events in the UK.

Policy and regulation

Fury's comeback could trigger discussions around boxing regulations and safety, especially concerning fighters' health and the impact of retirements and returns. Regulatory bodies may focus on ensuring guidelines are followed, particularly with high-profile fighters like Fury.

Numbers that matter

34 wins out of 37 fights for Fury, with 24 by knockout.
Makhmudov holds 21 wins out of 23 fights, with 19 knockouts.
Fury's last fight in the UK was in December 2022, over three years ago.
Netflix has over 325 million subscribers worldwide, expanding potential viewership.
Fury's comeback is anticipated to draw a significant crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 62,000.

Definitions and jargon buster

Knockout: A result in boxing where one fighter incapacitates the other, leading to a win.
WBC: World Boxing Council, one of the main governing bodies in professional boxing.
Entourage: A group of people who accompany and support a celebrity or athlete.
Streaming: The process of transmitting or receiving data, especially video and audio, over the internet.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the fight date approaches, fans should focus on ticket availability and promotional events surrounding the match. There's likely to be increased media coverage and hype leading up to 11 April.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-fight, the outcome will shape Fury's immediate future in boxing. Should he win, attention will turn to potential fights with champions like Oleksandr Usyk or Anthony Joshua. If he loses, it could lead to discussions around retirement again.

Signals to watch

Pre-fight ticket sales and audience engagement.
Media coverage and fan reactions in the lead-up to the fight.
Post-fight discussions regarding Fury's future plans.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on fight news through reliable sports channels.
Follow Fury and Makhmudov on social media for insights and behind-the-scenes content.
Purchase tickets early if planning to attend the fight for the best seats.

Don’t

Miss out on pre-fight events that could enhance your experience.
Engage in negative speculation about the fighters; focus on their achievements and skills.
Overlook the potential impact of this fight on the boxing landscape in the UK.

Checklist

Check ticket availability for the fight.
Follow social media updates from both fighters.
Watch past fights of both Fury and Makhmudov to understand their styles.
Consider the implications of the fight on future boxing matches.
Engage with boxing communities for discussions and insights.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the excitement surrounding Fury's return is palpable, there are uncertainties regarding how he will perform after a break and whether he can fill the stadium without a more widely recognised opponent. The potential for unexpected injuries or changes in fight plans adds to the unpredictability of the event.

Bottom line

Tyson Fury's comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov represents a critical juncture for the heavyweight division and the sport of boxing in general. As Fury aims to reclaim his status, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can deliver on his promises and reignite interest in boxing.

FAQs

What is Tyson Fury's boxing record?

Tyson Fury has a professional boxing record of 34 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 24 of those wins coming by knockout.

When is Tyson Fury's next fight?

Tyson Fury's next fight is scheduled for 11 April 2026 against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

How can I watch the Fury vs Makhmudov fight?

The fight will be broadcast live on Netflix, making it accessible to a global audience of over 325 million subscribers.