Fury Sets Sights on Joshua Showdown After Makhmudov Return Fight

The heavyweight boxing world could finally witness the all-British superfight fans have demanded for over a decade. Tyson Fury has declared his intention to face Anthony Joshua immediately after his comeback bout against Arslanbek Makhmudov this Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.\n\nThe 37-year-old former champion emerges from his fifth retirement to meet the dangerous Russian puncher in what marks his first appearance in 16 months. Despite the formidable challenge ahead, Fury already has his next opponent mapped out.\n\n"All going well, Joshua is the fight I want next," Fury told BBC Radio 5 Live. "If it happens, great. If it does not happen, also great. But right now I need to focus on Saturday night."\n\nThe timing appears optimal for the long-awaited clash. Joshua, 36, delivered an impressive performance in December, stopping Jake Paul in the sixth round of their professional contest. Initial discussions for a Fury-Joshua bout gained momentum following that victory, though plans temporarily stalled after Joshua was involved in a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends.\n\nFury faces a legitimate test in Makhmudov, whose frightening power statistics speak volumes about the threat he poses. The Russian boasts 19 knockouts within the opening three rounds, earning him recognition as one of boxing most avoided heavyweights.\n\n"I need a dangerous person to get my juices flowing," Fury explained. "I have got a stone-cold killer in this man who could put me out in one shot. That means I have to be on my form to deal with this guy."\n\nThe Morecambe fighter return comes after consecutive defeats to undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, losses that led to his latest retirement. However, a recent training camp in Thailand reignited his passion for competition.\n\n"I missed this game," Fury admitted, suggesting his brief hiatus helped restore his motivation.\n\nFury has not competed on British soil since stopping Derek Chisora in December 2022, making Saturday London showdown particularly significant for his domestic fanbase.\n\nThe heavyweight division witnessed renewed activity last week when Fury former rivals Deontay Wilder and Chisora met in London, with Wilder emerging victorious. However, Fury expressed disappointment in both fighters performances.\n\n"I have never seen two men slide as much as these two," Fury said bluntly. "They looked like club fighters from a white-collar match. It was sad to watch."\n\nThe criticism served as motivation for Fury, who vowed to demonstrate the difference between faded veterans and fighters still operating at elite level.\n\nWith Joshua waiting in the wings and a dangerous opponent standing directly ahead, Fury finds himself at a crossroads that could define the final chapter of his remarkable career. Saturday night will determine whether the Joshua superfight finally materializes or remains boxing greatest unfulfilled promise.