Tyson Fury is set to return to boxing on April 11, 2026, when he faces Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The fight will stream on Netflix and will be his first meeting after consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, including a rematch in December 2024.
Fury, now 37, announced his retirement shortly after that defeat but decided to return 15 months later. The former heavyweight champion is also thinking beyond boxing. He has talked 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 SportsBible, cover his opponent's choices, motivation and what could happen next.
Tyson Fury talks about Makhmudov fight and the possibility of Anthony Joshua
Fury said the choice of opponent was deliberate. He chose Makhmudov, a heavy puncher with a strong knockout record, to properly prepare himself for a comeback fight.
“It requires someone of that caliber.”
Makhmudov has won 19 of his 23 professional bouts by knockout. His only losses came against Guido Vianello and Agit Kabayel, but he has since picked up wins against Ricardo Brown and David Allen.
If Fury wins, the focus is expected to shift to the long-discussed fight with Anthony Joshua. The British heavyweight is also set to make a comeback this summer, according to Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith.
"If a fight can be fought, let's start it like Donkey Kong."
Fury confirmed that he has not spoken with Joshua about a possible bout.
"I have no contact with him."
Fury outlines post-boxing life and ongoing inspiration
Fury said he still wonders what life will be like when he retires, but made it clear that boxing remains central to him.
"My true love has always been boxing, and it has always been my passion."
"So until this happens no more... I can go into TV full-time to do Netflix and s***."
When asked about his motivation, Fury said that 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 can drink beer all day if I want. But I'm not interested. I love boxing. I've always loved boxing."
He said he hoped to remain in the sport for the next several years.
"I'll probably keep doing it well into my late 40s. It's something I love. I've tried to walk away from it many times, and I've failed. It's an addiction. Boxing is an addiction."
Fury discusses MMA interest and Jon Jones potential
Fury also spoke about his past interest in going into mixed martial arts. Efforts to make that switch have so far not worked, he said.
"I've tried to do it about ten times."
“But for some reason or the other, that has not happened. [It would take] The right amount of money. But it always requires cold, hard cash, baby."
He then talked about facing Jon Jones, naming the former UFC champion as a possible opponent.
"You never know," Fury said. "Anyone can beat anyone that day. Nothing is impossible, right?"
