Tyson Fury has made a successful comeback. © APA/afp / HENRY NICHOLLS

Starfighter Fury celebrates an unchallenged comeback victory

Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury has successfully returned to the ring.

April 12, 2026

From: apa

The 37-year-old Briton, who had previously announced his retirement five times, decisively defeated Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov in his comeback fight in London on Saturday, winning by unanimous decision in a twelve-round bout. 476 days after his last fight, the impulsive professional celebrated a comfortable victory in his 38th professional bout.

While still in the ring, Fury loudly demanded a first-ever all-British duel with fellow former world champion Anthony Joshua. "I want to give you the fight you've all been waiting for," Fury shouted to the crowd. "I challenge you, Anthony Joshua," he said to the 36-year-old, who was attending the fight as a spectator.

Joshua remained reserved. "Contracts will be sent out," he said. "And then maybe we'll see each other in the ring, more than likely. But I'm not here to get in the ring and scream in someone's face. If you look at my track record, I've never done that," he added.

Fury enters with fireworks

At Tottenham Hotspur's London football stadium, the fireworks were already going off as the boxing idol entered the ring. Only the first round belonged to Fury's opponent, who had been defeated in 2023 by the current top German heavyweight, Agit Kabayel. Then the confident, but lackluster, Fury show began.

Arslanbek Machmudov (right) had little chance against Fury. © APA/afp / HENRY NICHOLLS

The "Gypsy King" got off to a better start in the fight. Machmudov, who appeared increasingly tired and uncoordinated, landed his punches, but his attempts increasingly lacked precision. From the fourth round onward, more and more of his blows missed their mark. The fitter Fury controlled the action. Machmudov increasingly clinched with the other giant and posed little threat.

Fury (37) defeated Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, claiming his first world title. This was followed by a long and difficult period in his life, and he didn't fight again for three years. Further retirements and comebacks followed. In December 2024, Fury suffered his second defeat against the reigning three-time world champion Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine in the rematch between the two superstars.