Former two time heavyweight champ Tyson Fury hasn't been in the ring in over a year, but he's apparently nearing a choice of opponent likely for an April return.
Former two time heavyweight champion Tyson Fury said earlier in January that he's ready to fight again, and now we may have a better idea on whom his opponent might be?
On Tuesday, Sky Sports in the U.K. reported that Fury is in advanced contract discussions over a potential comeback fight in April, with Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov. Makhmudov is emerging as one of the leading contenders to face "The Gypsy King," at least according to Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown.
In the Sky Sports report, Brown confirmed to them that negotiations have progressed significantly and suggested an official announcement could be made soon. He further revealed that a shortlist of five or six possible opponents is being considered, with Makhmudov firmly among the fighters that could be the opponent. “He’s in the top three or four, most definitely,” Brown said, while stressing that the final decision and announcement will come from the promoters.
Fury, 34-2-1, 24 KOs, has not fought since suffering a second consecutive decision defeat to unified champ Oleksandr Usyk in their December 2024 rematch in Saudi Arabia, but preparations for Fury return are now well underway.
The British star is best known recently for pummeling American Deontay Wilder by KO twice in February 2020 and again, in October 2021 both in Las Vegas.
Makhmudov, 21-2, 19 KOs, strengthened his case to be Fury's return opponent back in October, when he fought in Britain and delivered an impressive decision victory over David Allen. His recent activity and physical presence have placed him firmly in contention, as Fury weighs up his next move.
At 37, Fury is expected to ease back into competition with a warm-up bout before targeting a major heavyweight clash later in the year. “We’re really down the road with the contract,” Brown added to Sky Sports. “You will see Tyson back in the ring, and we’re aiming for April.”
It has been believed for over a year that Fury would fight fellow countryman and former two time heavyweight champ himself, Anthony Joshua, in what would be an intriguing bout in the U.K. of aged former champions.
Joshua, who also lost twice to Usyk, punished social media/Youtube star turned boxer Jake Paul by 6th round KO in Miami in a massively viewed bout on Netflix back in December. However, he was also injured in a fatal car crash that claimed the lives of two of his friends in Nigeria on December 29th. Joshua was a passenger in the crash, where the driver is being charged with the African law version of vehicular homicide.
So, it's unlikely that Joshua will be ready to fight anytime in the early part of this year.
Fury could also choose to fight someone else and another logical name is Kurdish-German Agit Kabayel, who has been an undefeated contender and is the WBC interim heavyweight champ. Kabayel is promoted, like Fury, by Queensberry Promotions and it would be an easy fight to negotiate, if desired.