Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England was the stage for the media return of two-time lineal Heavyweight Champion of the World Tyson Fury on Monday evening (16 February). By our estimation to announce, and he later confirmed, a fifth return from ‘retirement’ !
We never doubted the ‘Gypsy King’ would be back, it was a question of when, not if. The lure of the limelight (not forgetting the money on offer) has again proven irresistible.
At this media return, resplendent in a powder blue waistcoat with matching tie with the ‘N’ Netflix logo on, Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) looked refreshed, fit and was his usual entertaining and captivating self. He was sure on verbal form !
On the other side of the dais was his next opponent, gargantuan Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs).
The inevitable questions to the comebacking Fury were Why ? and why now ?
In response, he held court with those in attendance as he’s wanton to do. “I want to make boxing great again…Boxing had got boring since Tyson Fury retired”. He then cited boxing greats Archie Moore and Roberto Duran as being aged champions who came back to regain some of their lustre and thrones.
Fury continued… “I’m so much in love with boxing…I’m looking forward to punching his face (Makhmudov’s) right in ! …I want an explosive KO”.
He illustrated his mindset and approach “I’m like Clubber Laing (in Rocky)…I’m gonna train alone”.
“I live for this s**t !”.
His last fight in the UK was in December 2022 against fellow Brit Dereck Chisora at the same 64,000 capacity Tottenham stadium. Another sellout crowd is anticipated and he said “It’s unbelievable to be back” and when pressed went on to predict a win by sixth round KO.
The ‘Gypsy King’ explained he’s done 8 weeks “pre-training” in a camp in Thailand and waxed lyrical about the favourable weather conditions compared to a UK winter. He went on… “I’m 37, I’ve got a lot more to offer”
In reference to current recognised heavyweight supremo Oleksandr Usyk he said “By the end of the year Usyk will be begging me for a fight.
Concerning Makhmudov, his opponent on 11 April, he said “The size of his head I won’t be able to miss him !”.
The 6 foot 7 inch Russian, when asked replied, that he’d been prepared for this moment all his life and he planned “To WIN”. Asked about his gameplan he said “I have to go forward, I have to take my chance”. It’s important to note that 13 of his 19 KOs have been in the first round, albeit against significantly inferior opposition.
The Russian has been training first in Canada and then from January in his native Dagestan territory. He went onto say “Two camps gone, 2 left” which emphasizes his intent and he’ll come prepared. His last fight was in front of 10,000 in Sheffield, England against British journeyman Dave Allen in which he mentioned all were “against him”. He won that eventually over twelve messy rounds to get this opportunity.
The Russian finished his questioning with “It’s my time !”.
The event will be bankrolled by Netflix and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and promoted by The Ring magazine. It promises much and will be supported by Frank Warren’s Queensberry promoting Fury.
On the night of 11 April we will know more about what the former champion has left and if bigger fights await. Makhmudov will be tested for the first time and, with these two giants facing off, it should be ‘bombs away’ !
The Undisputed 