Tyson Fury made a commanding return at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, winning a unanimous decision over Arslanbek Makhmudov while long-time rival Anthony Joshua watched from ringside.
Fury, 37, came back after a 16-month retirement following two defeats to world champion Oleksandr Usyk. For his comeback he picked the heavy-hitting but predictable Makhmudov. His entrance was emotional and theatrical — Fury paid tribute to friend Ricky Hatton by walking out to Hatton’s Blue Moon and wearing shorts styled in the former champion’s fashion, greeted by fireworks and flames as the crowd roared.
The fight was promoted by Saudi backer Turki Alalshikh, who suggested that a major Fury–Joshua fight could be close to happening. Fury said the comeback was about extending his career and positioning himself for a potentially huge payday later in the year.
Makhmudov began aggressively, charging forward from the opening bell and forcing Fury onto the ropes at times. His early attacks were frantic and sometimes wild but carried threat, so Fury spent the early rounds measuring his opponent. In round two Makhmudov overreached and Fury landed a telling sequence that drew a big reaction. Fury built on that momentum in the third, landing a sharp one-two and a right hook that briefly buckled Makhmudov’s legs.
The fourth saw Makhmudov land a left but then get pinned on the ropes, where Fury connected with a heavy right cross. As the bout progressed Fury imposed his jab, mixed in tight hooks inside and worked effectively to the body. He pressed with a long lead hook in the eighth and the pair traded fiercely at the end of the 10th, when Makhmudov slipped to the canvas and took a late burst from Fury before the bell.
Fury switched stances at times, briefly fighting southpaw in the 11th to target the body and land an uppercut and a left hook that drew audible gasps. Although Fury hunted a stoppage, Makhmudov showed resilience and lasted the distance.
Judges scored the fight overwhelmingly for Fury: two cards read 120-108 and the third 119-109.
Immediately after the verdict Fury seized a microphone and publicly challenged Anthony Joshua, calling for “the Battle of Britain.” He shouted: “I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let’s give the fight fans what they want… Do you accept my challenge?”
Joshua, watching at ringside, hit back, calling Fury a “clout-chaser” while saying he was ready to fight. “Watching you tonight I’ll punch you up again,” Joshua said, adding that Fury would have to come to him with terms when ready. “I’m the boss, you work for me. I’m the landlord. You work for me.”
The win keeps Fury active and positions him for the domestic blockbuster many promoters and fans have long anticipated.