Fury Returns With Points Win Over Makhmudov, Sets Sights on Joshua Showdown

Tyson Fury is back, and he wants the biggest domestic showdown in British boxing. The Gypsy King marked his fifth return to the ring on Saturday with a unanimous points win over Arslanbek Makhmudov at a packed Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, earning the verdict on all three judges’ scorecards in a fight that rarely threatened excitement but kept the crowd on their feet for what might come next.

It was Fury’s first bout in 16 months, his latest retirement officially ended after the second loss of his career to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024. At 37, the former heavyweight world champion looked rusty in stretches, switching occasionally to southpaw and introducing uppercuts with varying success, but Makhmudov’s limitations made the difference. The Russian-born puncher seemed determined to wrestle rather than trade leather, and when he did open up, he rarely forced Fury into genuine trouble.

The quirk of the night was that neither man particularly excelled. Makhmudov’s flaws overshadowed whatever decline Fury is navigating, and the Briton’s ring craft was enough to keep him a safe distance ahead on the cards throughout all 12 rounds. Whether this was ring rust, age, or both remains an open question heading into what Fury insists will be his final act.

Because the real prize was watching from ringside. Anthony Joshua observed every move Fury made from his seat, and the Gypsy King made sure everyone knew it. After the final bell, Fury marched straight to ringside and directly called out his fellow Brit, a man he has been linked with for nearly a decade without ever making the fight happen.

Joshua, for his part, was not entirely receptive. “Tyson Fury, if he’s serious, you’ll see us in the ring,” Joshua said on Netflix, which broadcast the event. “I don’t think he’ll be able to cope with me. It’d be hard work for him.” Joshua also referenced a recent “serious incident” in his personal life, suggesting he needs time before committing to any fight, though he stopped short of ruling out the showdown. “The ball is in his court,” Joshua said. “We’ve been here three or four times with Wilder and Fury. It’s boring to me.”

On the undercard, Conor Benn continued his ascent with a hard-fought points win over former two-weight world champion Regis Prograis. The victory prompted Prograis to announce his retirement immediately afterward. Richard Riakporhe also captured the British heavyweight title with a stoppage win over Jeamie TKV.

Fury claims he has signed his side of the contract for the Joshua bout. Whether that claim survives contact with reality remains to be seen, but at least the possibility feels more tangible than it has in years.