Tyson Fury has opened up about the pivotal role Anthony Joshua's recent brush with death played in his decision to return to professional boxing. The heavyweight star, aged 37, is set to end a 16-month hiatus from the ring by facing Russian contender Arslanbek Makhmudov in London on April 11.
Fury's Emotional Revelation
In a candid interview, Fury revealed that Joshua's horrific car accident in Nigeria, which tragically claimed the lives of two of Joshua's closest friends, served as the catalyst for his comeback. "The biggest turning point in this comeback for me was the tragedy that happened with Anthony Joshua," Fury stated. He was on holiday with his family in Thailand during Christmas when he received the devastating news.
A Moment of Clarity
Fury explained how the incident profoundly shifted his perspective on life and career. "I heard the bad news and thought, life is very, very short and precious and fragile," he said. "Anything could happen at any moment, and you shouldn’t put anything off until tomorrow or next week; you have to live for today and I made my mind up there and then to come back to boxing."
The former world champion, who last fought in a 2024 rematch loss to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, emphasized the importance of seizing the present. Drawing inspiration from the Rocky movies, he added, "No matter what life chucks at you, you must continue to move forward... there is never a tomorrow. Today is what we have, not yesterday, we have now, tomorrow might not ever come."
Joshua's Uncertain Future
While Fury prepares for his return, Anthony Joshua's fighting future remains in doubt following the accident that killed friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Promoter Eddie Hearn provided insight into Joshua's current situation, noting that the boxer has been training but is not yet ready for a full return to boxing.
Promoter's Perspective
"I don’t think there is any guarantee he fights again, but at the same time I expect him to because it is something that he loves," Hearn said in an interview with First Round TV. "And it is something he can carry those guys with him through as well and it is something he wants to do."
Hearn revealed that before the tragic incident, plans were in motion for Joshua to fight in March and potentially face Tyson Fury. "Obviously, that is not happening now and I don’t know if it will ever happen right now," he admitted. However, he expressed optimism that Joshua might gradually increase his training intensity in the coming weeks to assess his readiness.
The Comeback Fight
Tyson Fury's return bout against Arslanbek Makhmudov marks his first competitive appearance since his 2024 defeat. The fight in London represents not just a sporting comeback but a philosophical statement about resilience and living in the moment, inspired by Joshua's harrowing experience.
As both heavyweights navigate their respective paths—one returning to action, the other recovering from trauma—the boxing world watches with anticipation, reminded of the fragile nature of life that connects these two champions in unexpected ways.
