By Natalie Price
Tyson Fury made a thunderous return to the ring, dismantling Arslanbek Makhmudov over 12 rounds in a near-shutout unanimous decision. The judges scored it 120-108, 120-108, and 119-109, with Fury losing only one round on a single card. At 37 years old, Fury showcased his speed, fluidity, and accuracy against the lumbering Russian, landing over 100 punches and increasingly upping his power shots as the fight progressed.
Fury’s jab was a masterclass in control—a range-finder, a ramrod, a distraction. He used it to set up punishing combinations, including a stiff uppercut that rocked Makhmudov in the fourth round. By the final rounds, Fury was targeting the body, looking to bring Makhmudov’s hands down and create openings for head shots. A spiteful hook in the 12th round drew roars from the crowd, but Makhmudov’s durability kept him upright until the final bell.
Trainer SugarHill Steward urged Fury to finish the job, but Makhmudov gamely absorbed the punishment. Fury showboated to the finish, raising a fist and hugging his opponent in a display of sportsmanship. The victory marks Fury’s first win since October 2023, following two narrow points losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua Face-Off: Fireworks and Frustration
The real drama unfolded post-fight, as Fury roared a challenge to Anthony Joshua in true WWE style. “Let’s give the fans what they want!” he bellowed, adding “come on you shithouse” as Joshua responded with an icy stare. Joshua, ringside with promoter Eddie Hearn, demurred, calling Fury “a clout chaser” and stating, “I’ve never had a problem getting in the ring with you. I punched you up when we were kids … but you don’t tell me what to do.”
Despite heavy hints all night that a superfight announcement was imminent, Joshua played coy. When asked by Netflix’s Anna Woolhouse if he needed a warm-up fight, Joshua quipped, “Good question. That [Fury] could be a warm-up fight, based on what I saw tonight.” He later added, “Contracts are being sent over and you’ll probably see us in the ring next, more than likely.”
Saudi powerbroker Turki al-Sheikh had earlier teased “a big surprise” and “the biggest fight in the history of England,” but Joshua’s reluctance left the announcement hanging. Fury fired back, “Don’t run from me!” as the tension simmered.
Benn Edges Prograis in Gritty Support Bout
In the chief support, Conor Benn earned a unanimous decision over Regis Prograis, with all three judges scoring it 98-92. Benn, 29, utilized his size and freshness to outwork the 37-year-old Prograis, though head clashes caused cuts and moments of uncertainty. Benn swept the second half of the fight after Prograis had early success, landing body shots and uppercuts to secure the win.
Post-fight, Benn declared, “Nobody likes southpaws, but we got the job done, came through a few scratches, but ultimately we keep it moving. It’s a different challenge from Eubank, it was my first fight against a former two-time world champion… ultimately I want my world title, I want my WBC belt by fighting [Ryan] Garcia next. Ryan, keep it warm for me.”
Undercard Highlights: Riakporhe Stops TKV, Clarke Falls to Huni
Richard Riakporhe stopped Jeamie ‘TKV’ Tshikeva in the fifth round to claim the British heavyweight title, displaying heavyweight power since moving up from cruiserweight. Riakporhe, now 3-0 with 3 KOs as a heavyweight, dropped TKV with a right hand and bludgeoned him along the ropes, prompting a referee stoppage.
Elsewhere, Frazer Clarke lost a majority decision to Australia’s Justis Huni, marking Clarke’s third defeat in four fights. One judge saw it even, but Huni confirmed his standing as a contender with the win.
Fury’s Comeback: By the Numbers
Fury’s return ended a 16-month absence and his fifth retirement. At 37, he didn’t look as light on his feet as in his prime, but his hand speed and accuracy were superior to Makhmudov’s. Makhmudov, 36, entered with a 21-2 record and 19 KOs, but was outclassed, unable to capitalize on brief successes. Andre Ward noted on commentary that Makhmudov smothered his own work, failing to follow up on clean shots.
The fight drew an 80% full Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Fury’s fading magnetic power and Makhmudov’s lack of star power cited as reasons for not selling out. Fury’s ring entrance featured a tribute to Ricky Hatton, complete with “Blue Moon” and a sky-blue robe, bringing him to tears before the bout.
Looking ahead, Fury’s dominance sets the stage for a potential blockbuster with Joshua, though contracts remain unsigned. As Fury put it, “It’s everything that I love to do and it’s something that I’ll continue to do. It’s been a while and I’ve missed it.” The boxing world now waits to see if Joshua will step up to the challenge.
