Fury prepares for Makhmudov fight while eyeing Joshua showdown

Tyson Fury, the former world heavyweight champion, stated he’s “still got it” as he prepares for his comeback fight against Russian-born heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this week. Fury, 37, returns to the ring after a 15-month hiatus, holding a record of 34 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 24 knockouts. Makhmudov, 36, boasts a record of 21 wins and 2 losses, with 19 knockouts.

During a pre-fight news conference in London, Fury emphasized the importance of focusing on Makhmudov, saying, “I don’t want to mention names when I’ve got a dangerous fighter in front of me.” He acknowledged the challenges of previous negotiations with Anthony Joshua, who is also in training after a personal tragedy. Fury hinted at future plans, stating, “As far as I am concerned, I will focus on this big Russian fella, then Anthony Joshua and maybe a third fight [with Oleksandr Usyk].”

Fury's father, John Fury, expressed concerns about Tyson's readiness, suggesting that past fights against Deontay Wilder may have taken a toll. However, Tyson asserted, “I’ve never lost my speed of reactions. I’ve still got it. 100 percent.” Makhmudov, who has gained attention for wrestling a bear, downplayed concerns about Fury's lack of recent competitive experience, suggesting it could work in Fury's favor due to his experience.

This matchup not only serves as a test for Fury's comeback but also sets the stage for a potential high-stakes bout against Joshua, which has been delayed multiple times due to various issues. The outcome of the fight against Makhmudov could significantly influence the landscape of heavyweight boxing and Fury's future prospects.

What to watch: The immediate focus will be on the outcome of Fury's fight against Makhmudov, which could dictate the trajectory of his career and future matchups, particularly with Joshua.