Tyson Fury is making his long-awaited return against Arslanbek Makhmudov and Eddie Hearn has given his view on the contest.
Fury has been out of action since he retired in January 2025. That came after two consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, and though he has long spoken about a trilogy with the former undisputed ruler, he is instead having a tune-up against Makhmudov.
He has had long spells out of the ring before and come back well, most notably to dethrone Deontay Wilder by beating him in two of their three fights. In the last year, he has stayed in shape so the rest may well have done him good.
His upcoming Russian opponent was last out against popular British heavyweight Dave Allen and was pushed all the way but eventually secured a points win with his ramrod jab, though he has previously been stopped by Agit Kabayel.
Speaking to iFL TV, Hearn first expressed his happiness at having ‘The Gypsy King’ back.
“Brilliant, great to have Fury back, fantastic.”
He then broke down how it might go.
“Decent fight, I think he beats Makhmudov, but Makhmudov is a great fighter. I know he will be coming for the upset. I think Fury is the favourite, of course, but Makhmudov can whack. If Fury is not at the races, good fight.”
Fury is 38 this year and has had many hard nights, so he will need to see what is left in the tank before plotting big moves towards world titles later in 2026.
