After five failed attempts at retirement, Tyson Fury (35-2-1, 24 KOs) returned to the ring once again. At 37 years of age, the Gypsy King rejoined the circus and the race for world titles after defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov (21-3, 19 KOs) by a clear unanimous decision (120-108, 120, 108, 119-109)
Good performance from the ‘Gypsy King’, who showed in the packed Tottenham Hotspur stadium that the 16 weeks of camp have helped him to return with less rust than expected. It should be remembered that he had not been in a ring since his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.
Fury, who had a nice touch by wearing the words ‘RIP Ricky’ (for his good friend Ricky Hatton) on the back of his shorts, dominated from the start against ‘The Lion’ Makhmudov. It was a fight between two giants, but undoubtedly the best boxing, as well as most of the best and most powerful punches, were the work of the Englishman. A dangerous Makhmudov started the fight well, and scored some hard rights, but Tyson Fury’s jabs and precise hooks determined who was going to be in charge.
From the eighth round onwards, the Russian tried to survive by grappling, which of course an experienced Fury took advantage of to work the ‘Lion’s’ side. The hooks and accurate uppercuts came from the Englishman with great clarity and perhaps some other opponent would have kissed the canvas, but Makhmudov stood his ground. In the tenth the Russian showed signs of being quite stiff and Fury pressed harder in search of the knockout. ‘Gypsy King’ persevered in the pressure, always with great mobility despite the inactivity. Great finish by the Briton, who worked this fight to give his opponent no chance.
With Anthony Joshua in the front row, after the fight came the challenge: “I want to give you the fight that everyone has been waiting for. I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let’s give the boxing fans what they want, the ‘Battle of Britain’. I want to fight you next, do you accept my challenge?” said Gypsy King. Joshua was unfazed and did not accept, so Fury insisted: “You’re a big wimp, do you want to fight or not? This time there is no escape; after 10 years in the making, let’s dance!” Joshua did say: “I’m the boss. You work for me. I’m your owner,” but he gave no clues about his immediate future. According to Turki Alalshikh it all “depends on AJ”.
Read the full article here
