Tyson Fury returns from retirement to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 in the UK. Fury is the likely favourite, but bettors should factor in ring rust and Makhmudov’s power — sensible wagers: Fury moneyline for confidence, plus live-betting or round prop on Makhmudov to win a round or score an upset.
Tyson Fury Announces Comeback: April 11 Heavyweight Clash Confirmed
In Boxing, Tyson Fury will return to the ring against Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 in the UK, ending a 17-month absence. The venue will be announced later. The fight marks Fury’s first outing since he announced his retirement early in 2025 after consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury’s Motivation and Camp
Fury has declared himself "excited to be back" and reaffirmed his intent to continue chasing world titles, aiming to become a three-time world heavyweight champion. His recent training base has been in Thailand, where he has sparred with South African bridgerweight titleholder Kevin Lerena as part of preparations.
Makhmudov: Dangerous Challenger with Proven Power
Arslanbek Makhmudov, based in Canada, comes off a win over Dave Allen in Sheffield. His only losses are to Agit Kabayel — now the WBC interim titlist — and Olympian Guido Vianello. Makhmudov says he’s "coming to deliver a war" and expects to be ready to claim a major victory.
Context in the Heavyweight Landscape
Fury had been linked with Anthony Joshua for a projected 2026 showdown, but Joshua has paused his career after a serious car crash in Nigeria that killed two friends. With Oleksandr Usyk the recent dominant figure and a trilogy less likely to excite, domestic options such as WBO champion Fabio Wardley present alternative routes for Fury’s future fights. Wardley, elevated to full WBO champion after Usyk vacated the strap, has indicated openness to a big domestic clash.
Betting Outlook and Market Angles
Expect Fury to open as the favourite given his name recognition and experience, but markets should account for ring rust after 17 months out. Key betting angles:
- Straight moneyline: Fury favoured, reasonable for conservative bettors.
- Live-betting/round props: Value in backing Makhmudov to win a round or cause trouble early, given his power.
- Method markets: Consider rounds 1–6 for Makhmudov or Fury late-round stoppage if ring shape is questioned.
Implications for Future Matchups
A decisive Fury win could reignite plans for top-tier showdowns and strengthen his claim to another world-title run. A close call or upset would reshuffle heavyweight priorities, elevating contenders like Wardley and deepening demand for rematches or eliminators.
Oleksandr Usyk reveals only way he will fight Tyson Fury for third time
‘The Gypsy King’ will take on the Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov in a bid to become a three-time world heavyweight champion
Yahoo! News
