Tyson Fury returns April 11 to face Arslanbek Makhmudov after a 14-month retirement, likely making him the betting favorite but with volatile lines due to ring rust and recent losses to Oleksandr Usyk. Punters might back Fury to win outright at short odds, while value bets include Makhmudov for an upset or Fury winning on points rather than by stoppage.
Tyson Fury Announces Comeback for April 11 Showdown
Tyson Fury has confirmed his return to the boxing, signing to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11. The comeback comes 14 months after Fury announced retirement following his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024. Fury framed the decision as a mission to revive interest in the sport and insisted he returned “for the fans.”
Fury’s Message: “Make Boxing Great Again”
At his kick-off press conference Fury declared, “I came back for one reason only, and that's to make boxing great again.” He said boxing had lost momentum during his absence and leaned on a playful reference to AI, claiming ChatGPT told him the sport peaks when he fights. Fury compared his comeback slogan to a well-known political catchphrase to underline the point.
How Fury Sees the Usyk Rivalry and His Own Future
Despite two recent defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, Fury insists another world title shot remains achievable. The 37-year-old believes he actually won both encounters and expects Usyk to push for a trilogy by year’s end. Fury’s confidence suggests he’s angling for high-profile rematches rather than low-profile tune-ups.
State of the Heavyweight Division
Usyk has fought once since beating Fury, knocking out Daniel Dubois in July 2025 to reclaim undisputed status in a rematch. Usyk later relinquished one belt due to injury issues, leading the WBO to sanction a fight that produced a surprise new champion, Fabio Wardley, who now prepares to defend his title against Dubois.
Usyk is reportedly managing minor injuries and is linked to watching the April 4 Deontay Wilder vs Derek Chisora bout, with Wilder potentially eyeing a return to challenge Usyk if successful.
Aging Champions and Market Volatility
Age and inactivity have left the heavyweight picture fluid: Fury (37) and Usyk (39) are veterans, while new names like Wardley and Dubois are reshaping title routes. That unpredictability is feeding fluctuating betting markets and heightened public interest.
Betting Implications and What Punters Should Consider
Fury’s name will likely make him the pre-fight favorite, but bettors should weigh several factors:
- Ring rust: 14 months out increases the chance of a cautious Fury performance, making markets for decision victories or longer fights attractive.
- Upset potential: Makhmudov offers value for bettors seeking bigger returns; a straight upset or DNB (draw no bet) could be worthwhile at more attractive odds.
- Prop markets: Consider Fury by decision or specific-round props rather than heavy-money stoppage bets given his recent fights’ trajectories.
- Market movement: Fury’s repeated retirements and media presence may cause early heavy backing; waiting for line movement could reveal better value.
Bottom Line
Fury’s return injects headline appeal into the division and will likely tighten betting lines around him. Savvy punters should balance the short-term narrative-driven favorites with objective value plays reflecting ring rust, matchup dynamics, and the emergence of new title contenders.
Mike Tyson sends an important message to Americans ahead of the Super Bowl
Former heavyweight champion says he is making his way back to the ring to "make boxing great again"
Si
