Duke McKenzie has assessed Tyson Fury‘s comeback opponent, Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Fury is in the autumn of his career and is making what will likely be one final comeback after more than a year on the sidelines. ‘The Gypsy King’ is now fast approaching forty years old and has had two separate spells as world champion.
The first ended when he took time away to battle mental health demons and addiction problems, and the second was when he was dethroned by the two-time undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk in back-to-back fights in 2024, both times on points.
He has shown before that he can come back against the odds, and this time his latest challenge starts with a showdown with Makhmudov.
The Russian has a mixed record, having lost to Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello, both by TKO, but last time out he got a solid points win over British contender Dave Allen.
Speaking to talkSPORT Boxing, former champion McKenzie gave his view on the fight, which takes place in April.
“If Fury can’t take him out of there and look good doing it then he’s got no business being in a world title fight. A lot is going to depend on what he’s got left, ’cause no one is going to know until the bell goes. The perfect test.”
Fury has options if he comes through this, with both WBO champion Fabio Wardley and IBF, WBC and WBA ruler Usyk keen to fight him at some point in the near future.
