A heavyweight showdown takes center stage on Saturday, April 11, 2026, as former world champion Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) returns from retirement to face Arslanbek Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. The 12-round bout will stream globally on Netflix and represents a pivotal moment in the heavyweight division.
Fury enters following a 15-month layoff after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, while Makhmudov arrives with power and recent activity on his side. With Fury listed as a -625 favorite in boxing betting odds and Makhmudov at +462, the betting market is heavily backing the former champion despite the uncertainty surrounding his return.
Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov Fight Preview
Tyson Fury, age 37, enters at 34-2-1 with 24 knockouts and returns to the ring after a prolonged absence. Standing six-foot-nine with an orthodox stance, Fury remains one of the most skilled and versatile heavyweights of his era. However, his recent form raises concerns. He is coming off consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, including a unanimous decision defeat in his most recent outing.
Prior to that, Fury was pushed to the limit in a split decision win over Francis Ngannou, a fight in which he was knocked down. His last dominant performances came in 2022 against Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora.
Fury’s strengths lie in his size, movement, and ring IQ. At his best, he controls distance, frustrates opponents, and dictates the pace of the fight. The key question is whether he can return to that level after absorbing significant damage and spending over a year outside the ring. Timing, conditioning, and durability will all be under the microscope.
Arslanbek Makhmudov, age 36, enters at 21-2 with 19 knockouts and continues to establish himself as a dangerous, power-focused contender. Standing six-foot-six with an orthodox stance, Makhmudov brings a high knockout rate and aggressive style into this matchup. He is 3-2 in his last five fights and is coming off a unanimous decision win over David Allen in October 2025.
His recent run also includes a quick stoppage of Ricardo Brown, but losses to Guido Vianello and Agit Kabayel exposed defensive vulnerabilities against higher-level competition.
Makhmudov’s strength is his power and ability to end fights early. With a 90% knockout rate, he poses a real threat in the opening rounds. However, his limitations become more apparent as fights extend, particularly against experienced and technically sound opponents. This fight will test whether he can maintain effectiveness over a full 12 rounds against an elite veteran.
Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov Predictions
This is a classic crossroads fight between a former champion looking to reestablish himself and a contender seeking a breakthrough win. The betting line reflects strong confidence in Fury, but the circumstances of his return make the fight more competitive than the odds suggest.
Expect Makhmudov to come forward early, applying pressure and looking to capitalize on any signs of ring rust. His best path is to make this a physical fight in the early rounds and test Fury’s durability. Fury, on the other hand, will look to control distance, use his jab, and extend the fight into the later rounds where his experience becomes a factor.
If Fury is anywhere close to his previous form, his ability to manage range and pace should allow him to neutralize Makhmudov’s power over time. If he shows signs of decline, however, Makhmudov has the power to change the fight quickly.
Lean: Fury by decision, with Makhmudov dangerous early.
Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov Betting Tips
Moneyline
• Tyson Fury (-625) reflects his experience, pedigree, and technical edge despite the layoff.
• Arslanbek Makhmudov (+462) offers underdog value in boxing betting odds based on power and recent activity.
Method of Victory
• Fury by decision is viable if he controls distance and avoids early damage.
• Fury by late TKO is possible if Makhmudov fades in later rounds.
• Makhmudov by KO is the clearest upset path, particularly in the early rounds.
Props
• Over rounds aligns with Fury’s style of controlling and extending fights.
• Early-round KO props favor Makhmudov’s power and aggressive approach.
Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov Key Stats & Tale of the Tape
• Tyson Fury: 34-2-1 (24 KOs), age 37, height 6’9”, reach 85”, orthodox. Elite technical heavyweight with size and experience advantages.
• Arslanbek Makhmudov: 21-2 (19 KOs), age 36, height 6’6”, reach 76”, orthodox. Power puncher with high knockout rate.
• Records & Form: Fury coming off two losses; Makhmudov 3-2 in last five fights.
• Style Matchup: Fury relies on movement, control, and IQ; Makhmudov relies on pressure and power.
• Activity Edge: Makhmudov significantly more active in recent years; Fury returning after 15-month layoff.
• Venue & Broadcast: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England — Netflix.
This matchup highlights a compelling dynamic between experience and power. Fury’s technical ability and ring control give him the edge on paper, but questions about his current form leave the door open. Makhmudov’s knockout power makes him a legitimate threat, particularly early, but if the fight extends, Fury’s experience should allow him to take control and secure a decision victory.
