Tommy Fury made a triumphant return to the boxing ring on May 9, 2025, defeating Kenan Hanjalic by unanimous decision in Budapest. This marked Fury's first fight in over 18 months, with his last bout being a split decision victory over YouTuber KSI in October 2023. With this latest win, Fury's professional record now stands at 11 victories, four of which came by knockout, and no defeats.
Fury's comeback was highly anticipated, especially after a series of setbacks, including a canceled fight with Darren Till earlier this year. Fury had pulled out of that matchup due to concerns about Till allegedly introducing kicking into their boxing bout, which sparked a heated response from Till. Nevertheless, Fury's focus was solely on Hanjalic during this low-key event, which contrasted sharply with the high-profile spectacles he had participated in previously.
During the fight, Fury displayed his skills, managing to knock Hanjalic down twice, though both instances were ruled as slips by the referee. The bout lasted six rounds, with Fury showcasing his dominance throughout. After the fight, he wasted no time in issuing a fiery callout to his longtime rival, Jake Paul.
“Jake Paul’s a b***h and he's running scared,” Fury exclaimed in his post-fight interview. “Hey, Jake, the hand is fixed now baby, the hand is fixed. I fought a guy in here tonight who's had more than 100 amateur fights, an experienced hitter and he's as tough as teeth.”
Fury's challenge to Paul was clear: “If Jake Paul wants to step inside the ring, I guarantee next time, I will knock you spark out. I've had two years out of the ring, this is after two years, I'll knock that bum out whenever he wants it.” The animosity between the two fighters has been building since Fury handed Paul his only career loss back in February 2023, when they faced off in Saudi Arabia.
Paul, who is scheduled to fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. next month, has previously acknowledged the challenges Fury presents in the ring. “Tommy was a little tricky,” Paul stated. “What I mean by that is, like if you see the punch coming, you could prepare for it. If you're going into something and you can't see it, and then all of a sudden you get hit, that's when it hurts.”
The prospect of a rematch between Fury and Paul could draw significant attention, given their history and the crowds both fighters can attract. Fans are eager to see if the two will finally settle their rivalry once and for all.
Fury's victory was not just about the fight; it was also a moment of personal triumph. After the bout, he dedicated his win to his family, girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague, and their daughter, Bambi. “I just want to say thank you for this victory to the Lord Saviour Jesus Christ, without him, none of this would be possible,” Fury said emotionally. “I want to say hello to my beautiful baby girl, Bambi, at home. And my sweetheart, Molly. She'll always be mine forever.”
In a candid moment, Fury also opened up about his struggles with depression and alcohol over the past two years, revealing the toll it took on him. “I've been through a hell of a lot these last two years. I've been through things that tear men down. Drunk, an alcoholic, I lost my family for a little bit. But I've turned things around, I've gone from being low to being on top of the world again.”
The fight took place at the MTK Arena in Budapest, part of a four-fight card that featured a mix of boxing and musical performances, leaving some fans bewildered by the event's unusual production choices. Despite the oddities of the show, Fury's performance shone through, proving that he is back and ready to reclaim his place among boxing's elite.
As the boxing world watches closely, the question remains: will Jake Paul accept Fury's challenge for a rematch? With both fighters at the top of their game and eager to settle their rivalry, fans are left on the edge of their seats, anticipating what could be a blockbuster showdown.