Tyson Fury is in advanced contract negotiations for his return fight in April, with Arslanbek Makhmudov one of the “top three” potential opponents, manager Spencer Brown has confirmed.
Brown believes an announcement is “imminent” as Fury prepares for his first fight since losing a rematch to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.
Mahmudov fought in the UK in October, defeating David Allen in a commanding points victory, and is on the shortlist of fighters to potentially face the returning Fury.
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After Tyson Fury announced he would return to the ring this year, Sky Sports Boxing’s Andy Scott rates ‘Gypsy King’s’ first opponent most likely
“We’re looking at five or six different opponents,” Brown told Sky Sports News. “(Makhmudov) is definitely in the top three or four.
“It’s not for me to announce. The promoter will announce it. Everyone is working hard to get this fight started.
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Watch the highlights of Arslanbek Makhmudov’s dominant TKO victory over Rafael Akpejoli.
“We’re on track for a deal and an announcement is imminent. We’ll see Tyson back in the ring. We’re aiming to get in the ring in April.”
Fury, 37, confirmed in early January that he would return to action in 2026, nearly a year after recently announcing his retirement from the ring.
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Could Arslanbek Makhmudov pose a real threat to Tyson Fury?
Fury has not fought since losing his second point to heavyweight rival Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024, but will first take part in warm-up bouts before facing other big names in the heavyweight division later this year.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said Fury was still in his “prime years” and his return to boxing was great for the sport.
“It’s great to see him back,” Hearn told Sky Sports News. “He hardly posts on social media anymore, but every time I pick up my phone there’s a new Tyson Fury story.
“Boxing saves people at different stages of life. I don’t think he was at a stage in his life where he needed to save, but I can see that boxing probably saved him many times in the past. And in fact, he seems happier and more full of life now than ever before.”
“Away from boxing, I think physical training is the biggest form of mental help you can get in different situations.
“And I think Fury looks like he’s going strong right now. He’s in Thailand, right? Or wherever he is. He’s running every morning.”
“He inspires me! When I see that, I think, ‘Good luck.’ We’ve had a lot to say over the years, but I love the fact that he’s back in boxing.”
