Tyson Fury opponent emerges for comeback as promoter confirms ‘it makes sense’

Tyson Fury could be in line to face Arslanbek Makhmudov in his comeback fight, after the Briton’s promoter admitted the match-up makes sense.

Fury announced last week that he is ending his retirement – the latest in a long line of them – to return to the ring in 2026. With that, the former two-time heavyweight champion is set to fight for the first time since late 2024.

Fury, 37, has expressed a desire for a trilogy bout with Oleksandr Usyk, the unified champion who beat Fury in the latter’s two most-recent bouts – in May and December 2024. However, that seems unlikely, especially with Usyk eyeing a fight with Deontay Wilder.

Makhmudov was put to Fury’s promoter Frank Warren as an opponent who makes sense for the “Gypsy King”, and Warren told Box Nation: “I agree with that.

“[Tyson] is a very intelligent guy. He knows what he wants to do and how to get there.

“Of course there’s a discussion over opponents and so forth, but he’s not stupid […] We may do that [Makhmudov fight].”

Makhmudov, 36, last fought in October, outpointing Dave Allen in Sheffield. With that, the Russian secured a second straight win since suffering the second loss of his professional career.

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Elsewhere, Fury has mentioned Fabio Wardley as another potential opponent, with the WBO champion welcoming such a fight.

“More than welcome it, more than welcome it,” said Wardley, who was promoted from interim champion when Usyk vacated the regular WBO belt last year. “It would be a fight that I’m hugely up for.

“Myself, I like to target some of the big names in the division, the big boys, the top players, and he’s one of those guys. So look, give me a call any time.

“The one I want the most is Oleksandr Usyk. Beyond that, I know he’s playing around with a fight with Deontay Wilder, so maybe not right now. The next best option for me would be Tyson Fury.

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“That would be the name. He’s obviously a huge name, big character in the game, and a big name within boxing. So someone I’d love to hop in the ring with.”

Fury’s defeats by Usyk, 38, are the only losses of the Briton’s pro career. He was recently linked to a long-awaited showdown with compatriot Anthony Joshua for later in 2026, but “AJ” was involved in a car crash in late December – suffering minor injuries as two of his friends lost their lives – putting his fighting future in doubt.