Tommy Fury finally resumes his boxing career tonight against Kenan Hanjalic in Budapest, Hungary. The 26-year-old Fury, who turned 26 just this week on May 5, is eager to bounce back after what he described as the worst year of his life in 2024. This six-round main event at cruiserweight marks his return to the ring after nearly two years of inactivity, with his last bout occurring in October 2023, where he secured a controversial decision win over KSI in Manchester.
Fury's journey back to the ring has been fraught with challenges. After defeating KSI, he was set to face former UFC fighter Darren Till in February 2025 at Co-op Live. However, he withdrew from that fight due to concerns over Till's threats of using MMA tactics during the match. Now, Fury is looking to regain his momentum against Hanjalic, a Bosnian boxer with a professional record of five wins and one defeat.
Hanjalic, 27, is also preparing for his own moment in the spotlight. With a solid background in amateur boxing, boasting over 100 fights, he aims to upset Fury and prove his worth in the professional ranks. "I’m stepping into the ring on May 9 in Budapest to face Tommy Fury with one mission – to win," Hanjalic stated confidently. He emphasized that hard work, discipline, and heart are what truly matter in the ring, not just the names of opponents.
The anticipation for the fight is palpable, with the undercard at MTK Arena scheduled to kick off at 7 PM BST. Fury is expected to make his ring walk around 10 PM BST, with the main event set to begin shortly after 10:20 PM. As with any boxing event, these times are subject to change based on the duration of the undercard bouts.
Fury's last fight left a mixed taste in the mouths of fans and critics alike. Despite a point deduction during the bout, he managed to secure a majority win against KSI, which has added to the intrigue surrounding his return. Fans are eager to see if he can extend his unbeaten record to 11 wins and 0 losses tonight.
In a recent interview, Fury reflected on his time away from the sport, stating, "Two years out. One surgery. The hardest battle I’ve faced has been the mental battle of being away from boxing. But I’m back stronger, sharper, and more HUNGARY than ever. May 9, Budapest… It’s showtime. Let’s go! Last year was the worst year of my life, and this year is going to be the best year of my life, and it starts on Friday. I've turned it all around. I'm happy mentally now. I feel like, you’ve got to go through these challenges in life.”
As Fury steps back into the ring, he faces not only Hanjalic but also the weight of expectations from fans and critics alike. This fight is not just about the record; it's about reclaiming his place in the boxing world after a tumultuous period. The stakes are high, and both fighters are prepared to leave it all in the ring.
For those looking to catch the action, the fight will be available for streaming on DAZN, with subscriptions starting at £14.99 a month. The platform has become a go-to for boxing fans, offering coverage of major events and fights around the globe.
As the evening unfolds, all eyes will be on the MTK Arena, where boxing fans will witness the return of Tommy Fury. With both fighters ready to make their mark, the atmosphere promises to be electric, setting the stage for an exciting night of boxing.
In addition to the main event featuring Fury and Hanjalic, the undercard includes a matchup between Roman Fury, Tommy's brother, and Croatian fighter Josip Pehar. Roman, also unbeaten, is looking to make a name for himself in the heavyweight division.
Tonight's bout is not just a fight; it's a turning point for Tommy Fury, who is determined to prove that he can overcome the adversities of the past year. With his sights set firmly on victory, fans are eager to see if he can deliver on his promise of a triumphant return.