Dogli Wilberforce
Tyson Fury is set to return to boxing on April 11, 2026, when he faces Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The fight will stream on Netflix and marks his first bout since back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, including their December 2024 rematch.
Fury, now 37, announced his retirement shortly after that defeat but has decided to return 15 months later. The former heavyweight champion is also looking beyond boxing. He has spoken about a possible fight with former UFC champion Jon Jones and shared thoughts on his long-term future in the sport.
His latest comments, made in an interview with SPORTbible, cover his opponent choice, motivation, and what could come next.
Tyson Fury Explains Makhmudov’s Fight and Anthony Joshua’s Possibility
Fury said his choice of opponent was deliberate. He picked Makhmudov, a heavy puncher with a strong knockout record, to prepare himself properly for a return fight.
“It takes someone of that calibre.”
Makhmudov has won 19 of his 23 professional fights by knockout. His only losses came against Guido Vianello and Agit Kabayel, but he has since won against Ricardo Brown and David Allen.
If Fury wins, attention is expected to shift to a long-discussed fight with Anthony Joshua. The British heavyweight is also set to return this summer, according to Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith.
“If the fight can be made, let’s get it on like Donkey Kong.”
Fury confirmed he has not held talks with Joshua about a potential bout.
“I’ve had no contact with him at all.”
Fury Outlines Life After Boxing and Ongoing Motivation
Fury said he still thinks about what life will look like when he retires, but made it clear boxing remains central to him.
“My true love’s always been boxing, and it’s always been my passion.”
“So until it’s not any more… then I can go into full-time TV doing Netflix and s***.”
When asked about his motivation, Fury said he does not need to fight but continues because he enjoys it.
“I’m in a position where I don’t need to box. I don’t need to do anything. I could drink beer all day if I wanted to. But I’m not interested. I like boxing. I’ve always liked boxing.”
He added that he expects to stay in the sport for several more years.
“I’ll probably continue to do it well into my late 40s. It’s just something that I’ve been in love with. I’ve tried to get away from it so many times, and I’ve been unsuccessful. It’s an addiction. Boxing’s an addiction.”
Fury Discusses MMA Interest and the Jon Jones Possibility
Fury also addressed his past interest in moving into mixed martial arts. He said attempts to make that switch have not worked out so far.
“I’ve tried to do it about ten times.”
“But for one reason or another, it hasn’t happened. [It would take] the right amount of money. But it always takes cold, hard cash, baby.”
He then spoke about facing Jon Jones, naming the former UFC champion as a possible opponent.
“You never know,” Fury added. “Anyone can beat anybody on the day. Nothing’s impossible, is it?”
