Boxing legend Fury to come out of retirement, fight Makhmudov

One of the U.K.’s greatest fighters is coming out of retirement for a bout on home soil.

Heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury is set to fight Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, broadcaster Netflix announced on Wednesday.

Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) was undefeated in his professional career before losing back-to-back fights to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024. The six-foot-nine orthodox fighter announced his most recent retirement from boxing in January of 2025, but posted on Instagram earlier this month that a return to the ring was imminent.

The 37-year-old Fury has not fought in the U.K. since 2022, when he defeated Derek Chisora by TKO to retain the WBC heavyweight title at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“(My) heart’s always been and always will be in boxing,” said Fury in a statement. “Someone go tell the king that the ace is back!”

Makhmudov, 36, is one of the most prolific knockout heavyweight fighters, with 19 of his 21 professional victories coming via KO. The six-foot-six Russian, who is based in Canada, last fought in October, defeating David Allen by a unanimous decision in Sheffield, England.

“I am thrilled about the opportunity,” said Makhmudov. “I am coming to deliver a war.”

Netflix did not announce the venue for Fury vs. Makhmudov.

— with files from Associated Press