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Tyson Fury's Comeback Fight Against Arslanbek Makhmudov Set for April 11

1/28/2026, 7:57:58 PM

Overview of the Comeback Fight

Tyson Fury, the former heavyweight world champion, has officially announced his return to boxing, confirming a fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11, 2026. This bout will be streamed live on Netflix, marking the platform's first live sports event from the United Kingdom. The exact venue for the fight has yet to be disclosed.

Fury, who holds a professional record of 34 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, had previously announced his retirement in January 2025 following two consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. His last fight took place in December 2024, where he lost by unanimous decision. Despite his retirement, Fury has been training in Thailand and expressed excitement about his comeback, stating, "Excited to be back. Heart's always been and always will be in boxing. Someone go tell the king that the ace is back!"

Profile of Arslanbek Makhmudov

Arslanbek Makhmudov, a 36-year-old Russian heavyweight based in Canada, boasts a record of 21 wins and 2 losses, with 19 of those victories coming by knockout. Makhmudov's most recent fight was a unanimous decision win over British boxer Dave Allen in October 2025. He expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to face Fury, declaring, "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."

Official Statements & Responses

Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, announced the fight, emphasizing its significance as Netflix's first live event from the UK. He stated, "We are happy that Tyson decided to come out of retirement for what should be an exciting heavyweight clash against Makhmudov." Gabe Spitzer, Vice President of Sports at Netflix, also commented on Fury's return, noting, "I have long admired Tyson Fury as one of the most resilient and captivating boxers of his generation... We are excited to see him come out of retirement for this massive homecoming."

Criticism & Opposition

Despite the excitement surrounding Fury's return, there are concerns regarding his readiness after a lengthy absence from the ring. Critics question whether he can regain his previous form, especially after two significant losses to Usyk. Additionally, the anticipated fight against fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua remains uncertain due to Joshua's recent car accident, which resulted in the deaths of two close friends and team members.

What's Next for Fury

Fury aims to fight three times in 2026, with the Makhmudov bout serving as a potential stepping stone toward a future title shot. He has expressed interest in facing WBO champion Fabio Wardley later this year, contingent on his performance against Makhmudov. The outcome of this fight could significantly impact Fury's trajectory in the heavyweight division.

Conclusion