Tyson Fury Stages Lion Walk to Psych Out 'The Lion' Makhmudov Before Comeback Bout
In a bold and theatrical move, heavyweight boxing star Tyson Fury took a lion for a walk, directly targeting the nickname of his upcoming opponent, Arslanbek 'The Lion' Makhmudov. The scene, evoking imagery reminiscent of Tarzan, unfolded just two weeks before Fury is set to face Makhmudov on April 11 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Fury's Return After 16-Month Hiatus
This fight marks Fury's highly anticipated return to the ring following a 16-month absence, which came after his fifth retirement from the sport. It will be his first bout in front of home fans since 2022, adding significant emotional weight to the event. The Ring Magazine-promoted showdown will be streamed live worldwide on Netflix, broadening its global audience.
During the lion walk, Fury, 37, was heard saying, 'Good boy, good boy. He's a good boy, he is. He's only a little Simba cat,' while cautiously holding the big cat on a leash and maintaining a safe distance. This stunt is part of Fury's psychological warfare as he builds towards a potential megafight with Anthony Joshua, but first, he must navigate the challenge posed by Makhmudov.
Dangerous Opponent and Training Regimen
Makhmudov, 36, boasts a formidable record of 21 wins, two defeats, and an impressive 19 knockouts, establishing him as a knockout specialist in the division. Fury has been training intensively in Pattaya, Thailand, where temperatures are soaring to 30°C this weekend, in a bid to regain top form after his lengthy layoff.
Fury outlined his ambitious plans, stating, 'I have a massive stacked calendar, minimum three fights this year. I have to get past this fella and stay on track and performing. There’s plenty of names on the list, but I am not the hunted one anymore, I am the hunter.' His professional record stands at 34 wins, two losses, and one draw, with 24 knockouts, with his only defeats coming against Oleksandr Usyk.
Warnings from the Boxing Community
Despite Fury's confidence, fellow boxer Dillian Whyte has issued a stark warning, labeling the comeback contest as 'very dangerous'. Whyte told Sky Sports, 'At first I thought, easy fight for Fury, very easy fight for Fury - that was my first response. But after going back and watching Makhmudov, I said, "OK, he's a tough guy, he's coming off a couple of good wins, and he's a big puncher."'
Whyte further explained, 'Fury loses some of his height and reach advantage, which has been a big factor for him in his career, so I think it makes for a very interesting fight. It's a very, very dangerous fight for Fury. Most boxing fans will say it's an easy fight for Fury, but I don't think it's an easy fight. Fury has also been put down a couple of times by guys he shouldn't have been put down by and Makhmudov can punch a lot harder, so let's see.'
Undercard and Event Details
The April 11 event is co-headlined by Conor Benn, who will face two-time former super-lightweight world champion Regis Prograis. Additionally, British fighters Richard Riakporhe and Jeamie TKV will feature on the undercard, with TKV defending his British heavyweight title, adding depth to a stacked night of boxing action.
