Tyson Fury, for now, feels like he’s in the shape of his life ahead of his latest comeback against Arslanbek Makhmudov on Saturday night.
The heavyweights will clash over 12 rounds at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. The state-of-the-art venue was the scene of Fury’s most recent convincing victory – a December 2022 bludgeoning of Derek Chisora in their third fight. Since then, Fury struggled to a 10-round points win over Francis Ngannou the following year and, in 2024, he was on the wrong end of close scorecards in two bouts with Oleksandr Usyk.
The 37-year-old, who described himself as “speedy, skillful, handsome and destructive” at Thursday's press conference, insisted that all the signs are there that a return to form is nigh.
“It’s been a good camp; the same old bullshit that fighters always tell you,” said the 34-2-1 (24 KOs) Fury. “But I mean it. You always have injuries that fuck you up, but this time, thank God, I’ve had no injuries. I don’t remember such a positive camp.
“I’ve been away from my wife and kids for 16 weeks which is the longest I’ve been away. I loved it in Thailand, it’s hot every day, which is good for a fat fucker like me. I’m still a fat fucker, but I’m fit and had a great time.
“People always question retirement for me. I have retired five times and meant it five times. When I walk away, I have no intention of fighting again. But I always miss it.”
Fury insists it was news of Anthony Joshua’s car crash in December, which resulted in the death of two of Joshua’s closest friends, that made him return this time.
“When I heard that news, it was so sad,” Fury said. “When things like that happen, it certifies that there’s no tomorrow, you have to live each day like it’s your last.”
Fury, noticeably upbeat, seems to be doing that.
“For the first time, in forever, I am the hunter and not the hunted. When that happens, I always fuck people up.
“I feel sorry for Makhmudov. He is facing an injury-free Tyson Fury. I’m going to knock his head off his shoulders, he will wonder what the fuck happened when he wakes up on the floor. But there should be no shame for him. He lost to the great Tyson Fury.
“They all say my legs have gone, they say my reactions have gone. Well, tune in on Saturday night, cos they haven’t.”
Makhmudov, 21-2 (19 KOs), is in better form by virtue of being active. The Russian’s last contest ended in a hard-fought but clear 12-round points success over Dave Allen in October. Allen, though, is a different proposition entirely to Fury.
“We jumped on this chance,” said Marc Ramsay, Makhmudov’s trainer. We’ve had a very good training camp, no injuries, we’re ready… You cannot find in one sparring partner [to replicate Fury’s skillset]. You need multiple sparring partners. We’re ready.”
“I have no pressure,” added Makhmudov. “God prepared me for this moment all my life. I believe it is my time, I am happy.
“Tyson Fury is a great boxer; you don’t have to go for the knockout. I will listen to my coach but what will happen? We don’t know. We will do what we have to do, that’s it.
“The gameplan? Two big heavyweights will go into the ring to try and kill each other.”
