This marked Fury's first fight since 1/2025, when he announced his retirement after two consecutive losses to world champion Oleksandr Usyk. Fury's decision to return is believed to be aimed at securing the biggest fight of his career, especially with long-time rival Anthony Joshua watching ringside.

Tyson Fury (left) lands a punch during his victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England on 11/4. *Reuters*

Fury made his ring walk with an emotional tribute to his close friend, the late boxing legend Ricky Hatton, who passed away in 9/2025. He used Hatton's signature song "Blue Moon" and wore shorts in his style. The somber atmosphere quickly transformed into an explosion of fireworks and fire effects around the stage, where Fury stood on a raised platform, dancing and electrifying tens of thousands of spectators.

Before the bout, promoter Turki Alalshikh hinted that a clash between Fury and Joshua – described as "the biggest fight in British history" – was imminent. This made the contest with Makhmudov not just a comeback fight, but a stepping stone toward the greatest reward of Fury's career.

While not as well-known as Joshua, Makhmudov is considered one of the most dangerous heavyweights today. The Russian fighter has won 19 of his 23 fights by knockout, with 13 ending in the first round.

Makhmudov maintained his characteristic aggressive style from the start. In the first round, the Russian fighter launched a relentless offensive, forcing Fury to retreat and at times pushing him against the ropes. Makhmudov's right-hand punches created initial danger, though most were wild and lacked precision. This pressure compelled Fury to quickly adjust and control the distance.

Makhmudov lands a punch on Fury's face. *Reuters*

By the third and fourth rounds, the former British champion began to assert clear dominance with accurate hooks and right hands, at times even staggering his opponent. From the second half of the fight, Fury anticipated his opponent's moves, completely controlled the pace, and consistently scored points with solid combinations. Despite not securing a knockout, the former heavyweight champion earned a dominant points victory with scores of 120-108, 120-108, and 119-109.

Immediately after the result was announced, Fury turned to Joshua and issued a challenge: "Next, I want to deliver the fight everyone is waiting for. Joshua, I want you. Let's make the battle of Britain. Do you accept?"

Joshua did not back down, responding sharply: "Tyson, you're just seeking attention. I've never been afraid to fight you. I beat you when I was younger, and after watching this fight, I'll do it again. But tonight is your night. You can't dictate to me. When you're ready, come to me with specific terms. I'm the one who decides."

Main highlights of Tyson Fury's victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov.

Tyson Fury once held multiple world heavyweight titles, including unifying the four prestigious WBA, IBF, IBO, and WBO belts from 2015-2016, holding The Ring title twice from 2015-2022, and the WBC belt from 2020 to 2024. At the regional level, the 2,06-meter tall boxer was a two-time British champion, and won European, Commonwealth, and many other heavyweight titles.

In his professional career, Fury has won 34 fights, drawn one, and lost two, both to Oleksandr Usyk. Before turning professional, he had a notable amateur record, securing a bronze medal at the 2006 World Junior Championships, a gold medal at the 2007 EU Junior Championships, a silver medal at the 2007 European Junior Championships, and winning the ABA super-heavyweight title in 2008.

Fury is among the highest-earning athletes globally, ranking third on Sportico and Forbes' 2025 lists, with estimated earnings of 146-147 million USD. According to BoxRec, Fury is in the top 10 active heavyweight boxers, while The Ring ranks him as the world's number two fighter, trailing only champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Anthony Joshua reacts after the fight. *AP*

Joshua is also a top British heavyweight, who made a name for himself by defeating "Dr. Steelhammer" Wladimir Klitschko by technical knockout in 2017. However, Joshua's career has declined in recent years, including two consecutive losses to Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk, which cost him his titles. In his professional career, he has lost 4 fights and won 29, with 26 knockouts.

Hong Duy