Tyson Fury's Comeback Fight Set for Tottenham Stadium After Old Trafford Snub
Tyson Fury will make his long-awaited return to the ring on April 11, taking on Russian contender Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This bout marks the British heavyweight's first fight on home soil in over three years, following his retirement announcement last year after consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
Venue Switch from Old Trafford to North London
Fury had initially hoped to stage his comeback at Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United. However, those plans were dashed when it was revealed that Michael Carrick's Manchester United side are scheduled to face Leeds United on the same day. In contrast, Tottenham Hotspur will be away at Sunderland, leaving their state-of-the-art stadium available for the boxing event.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has recently hosted high-profile boxing matches, including Conor Benn's victory over Chris Eubank Jr in their November rematch. Fury's last fight in the UK was in 2022, when he defeated Derek Chisora, and this comeback will be his first contest broadcast on Netflix, adding a significant media dimension to his return.
Makhmudov Ready for War Against Fury
Arslanbek Makhmudov, a 36-year-old Russian based in Canada, brings a formidable record to the ring, with 21 wins from 23 fights, including 19 knockouts. His most recent bout was a unanimous points decision victory over Doncaster's Dave Allen in October. Despite losses to Guido Vianello and Agit Kabayel, Makhmudov has expressed confidence, stating on Instagram: "I am thrilled about the opportunity. I'm coming to deliver a war. Tyson Fury has been a big champion. I will be more ready than ever to leave with a massive W."
Makhmudov has even shared footage of himself wrestling with a bear, highlighting his unconventional training methods and fierce determination ahead of the clash.
Fury's Comeback and Future Plans
Fury announced his return on Instagram last month, posting: "Well it's official im back doing what i love to do. I've brought the biggest network along with me @netflix @netflixuk this is going to be astronomical. Blessed by God." This fight serves as a warm-up for a potential blockbuster showdown with Anthony Joshua later in the year, though Joshua's future remains uncertain following a tragic car crash in Nigeria that killed his close friends and team members.
In addition to Joshua, other potential opponents for Fury include WBO champion Fabio Wardley, who must first defend his title against Daniel Dubois in May. Fury has outlined an ambitious plan to fight three times in 2026, aiming to re-establish himself as a major force in the heavyweight division. Currently, Oleksandr Usyk reigns as the heavyweight king after twice becoming undisputed champion, including a victory over Fury in May 2024.
Fury, a former two-time world heavyweight champion since his 2015 win over Wladimir Klitschko, remains optimistic about his comeback, declaring: "Excited to be back. Heart's always been and always will be in boxing. Someone go tell the king that the ace is back!" With Netflix on board and a prime venue secured, Fury's return promises to be a significant event in the sporting calendar.
