Tyson Fury returned to the ring with a dominant unanimous decision over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, with long-time rival Anthony Joshua watching from ringside.
Fury, who had been retired for 16 months after two defeats to world champion Oleksandr Usyk, chose the powerful but predictable Makhmudov for his comeback. The 37-year-old entered the British ring for the first time since 2022 with an emotional tribute to friend Ricky Hatton, playing Hatton’s Blue Moon and wearing shorts in the former champion’s style. Fireworks and flames greeted Fury on a raised platform as the crowd roared.
Saudi backer Turki Alalshikh, who staged the event, hinted that a huge fight between Fury and Joshua was close to being made. Fury said he was fighting to prolong his career and to position himself for what could be the richest prize of his career later this year.
Makhmudov came forward aggressively from the opening bell, charging at Fury and forcing him onto the ropes at times. The Russian’s early rushes were frantic and wild but carried danger, and Fury needed to measure him. In round two, Makhmudov overextended and Fury landed a sequence that drew a big roar. Fury continued to assert himself in the third, landing a one-two and a right hook that briefly buckled Makhmudov’s legs.
Makhmudov landed a left in the fourth but found himself stranded on the ropes, where Fury connected with a heavy right cross. As the fight progressed Fury established control with a reliable jab, occasional tight hooks inside and effective work on the body. He pressed with a long lead hook in the eighth and they traded fiercely at the end of the 10th, when Makhmudov slipped to the canvas and took a late beating from Fury before the bell.
Fury mixed stances, switching to southpaw briefly in the 11th to attack the body and land an uppercut and a left hook that drew gasps. Despite Fury hunting a stoppage, Makhmudov endured to the final bell. Fury nearly scored a shutout, with two judges scoring it 120-108 and the third 119-109.
Immediately after the decision, Fury grabbed a microphone and called out Joshua, challenging him to “the Battle of Britain” next. Fury shouted: “I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let’s give the fight fans what they want… Do you accept my challenge?”
Joshua responded from ringside, calling Fury a “clout-chaser” and saying he had no problem fighting him. “Watching you tonight I’ll punch you up again,” Joshua said, adding that Fury would need to come to him with terms when he’s ready. “I’m the boss, you work for me. I’m the landlord. You work for me.”
The victory keeps Fury active and sets up the potential blockbuster domestic showdown that promoters and fans have long anticipated.