Tyson Fury Set For Blockbuster UK Comeback Against Makhmudov

The heavyweight boxing world is buzzing once again as Tyson Fury, the charismatic and unpredictable "Gypsy King," officially ends his latest retirement to face Russian-Canadian powerhouse Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11, 2026. This blockbuster bout, set to unfold somewhere in the United Kingdom—though the exact venue remains under wraps—marks Fury’s first fight on British soil since his dominant victory over Derek Chisora in December 2022. Even more notably, it heralds Netflix’s inaugural live sports broadcast from the UK, with the streaming giant offering the event at no extra cost to its global subscribers.

Fury, now 37, has made a career of dramatic exits and even more dramatic returns. After back-to-back points defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in May and December 2024, Fury announced his retirement in early 2025, seemingly closing the chapter on a storied run that saw him crowned world champion twice and famously dethrone Wladimir Klitschko in 2015. Yet, as boxing fans have learned, Fury’s competitive fire is never truly extinguished. In a flurry of social media posts earlier this year, Fury teased his comeback, finally confirming it on January 15 by declaring, "The return of the mac was imminent." He later added, “Excited to be back. Heart’s always been and always will be in boxing. Someone go tell the king that the ace is back!” according to Netflix and multiple outlets.

This comeback fight is not just a personal milestone for Fury; it’s a pivotal moment for streaming sports. Netflix, already producing the hit documentary series At Home with the Furys (with its second season scheduled for release this spring), is doubling down on its commitment to live events. Gabe Spitzer, Vice President of Sports at Netflix, expressed his excitement: “I have long admired Tyson Fury as one of the most resilient and captivating boxers of his generation. His career has been defined by beating the odds, and there is an undeniable electricity whenever he fights. We are incredibly excited to see him come out of retirement for this massive homecoming, and we love giving our members a front-row seat to the next chapter of the Gypsy King’s legacy.”

Fury’s record speaks for itself: 34 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 24 victories coming by way of knockout. Towering at 6-foot-9, he’s renowned for his nimble footwork, quick hands, and psychological gamesmanship—skills that have propelled him to the top of the division and made him a fan favorite worldwide. His last win came in October 2023, when he narrowly outpointed Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia, before suffering his only two career defeats to Usyk, who currently reigns as the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Yet, Fury’s path back to the ring hasn’t been without its twists. For months, speculation swirled about a long-awaited showdown with fellow Brit Anthony Joshua. But Joshua’s plans were derailed by a car crash in Nigeria in late December 2025, leaving his future uncertain and opening the door for Makhmudov to seize the opportunity. While Joshua has returned to light training, his promoter Eddie Hearn insists there’s no rush for a comeback, and Fury has shifted focus to new rivals—hinting at possible future bouts with WBO champion Fabio Wardley and others as he aims to fight three times in 2026.

So, who is Arslanbek Makhmudov, the man standing in Fury’s way? The 36-year-old Russian-born, Canada-based heavyweight boasts a ferocious record: 21 wins (19 by knockout) and just 2 losses. Makhmudov last fought in October 2025, dominating British veteran Dave Allen and reinforcing his reputation as a relentless, aggressive finisher. At 6-foot-6, he’s a physical force, known for walking down opponents and ending fights early—attributes that have made him one of the division’s most feared punchers. “I am thrilled about the opportunity. I’m coming to deliver a war,” Makhmudov said. “Tyson Fury has been a big champion. I will be more ready than ever to leave with a massive W.”

The matchup has all the makings of a classic clash of styles: Fury, the cerebral tactician with a penchant for outfoxing even the most dangerous foes, versus Makhmudov, the straight-ahead destroyer who wastes no movement and throws every punch with fight-ending intent. The Ring Magazine is set to promote the event, and Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and president of the Saudi Boxing Federation, played a key role in confirming the fight. “We are happy that Tyson decided to come out of retirement for what should be an exciting heavyweight clash against Makhmudov,” Alalshikh said.

Fury’s journey to this moment has been anything but straightforward. After ending Klitschko’s long reign in 2015, Fury’s career was interrupted by health struggles and long absences, before roaring back in 2018 to begin a storied trilogy with Deontay Wilder—a draw and two emphatic victories that cemented his status as the WBC champion. He briefly retired after defeating Dillian Whyte in 2022, only to return for more high-stakes bouts in Saudi Arabia. His two defeats to Usyk, the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era, were hard-fought and close, but left Fury hungry for redemption.

Meanwhile, Makhmudov’s rise has been quieter but no less impressive. Fighting out of Montreal, he’s built a reputation as a knockout artist, with his only two losses coming against top-level opposition. His victory over Allen in 2025 was a statement, and he enters the Fury fight with confidence and momentum. The undercard, venue, and details of a multicity press tour are set to be announced in the coming weeks, promising plenty of build-up and fireworks ahead of April 11.

For Fury, this fight is more than just a return—it’s a chance to reassert himself in a division that’s never short on drama. With Netflix cameras rolling and the world watching, he’ll look to remind everyone why he’s one of boxing’s most compelling figures. For Makhmudov, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime: a shot at a legend, a global stage, and perhaps a path to heavyweight glory.

As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: the heavyweight division is alive and kicking, and April 11 promises to deliver a night of high-stakes action, streaming live into living rooms around the world. Stay tuned—this story is just getting started, and the Gypsy King’s homecoming is set to shake up boxing once again.