The winner of the fight between Tyson Fury and Arslanbek Makhmudov will receive a high world ranking, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has confirmed.
At the beginning of 2025, former world champion Fury announced his retirement. He was out all last year but decided to come back.
He is currently scheduled to fight heavyweight contender Mahmudov in the UK on April 11th.
“As a former champion, he has the rights and privileges and I am absolutely convinced that the winner will be ranked higher in the WBC,” Sulaiman told Sky Sports.
“(Makhmudov) is the WBC International and Silver champion, solid and strong. Returning from a long hiatus from the ring is an interesting challenge for Fury.”
The WBC president also welcomed his return. “Tyson Fury is Tyson Fury, he’s a sensational ambassador for boxing, he’s a great fighter, he has a huge fan base and I’m so excited,” Sulaiman said.
“His life without boxing is not the same. It will be a good and solid challenge to see him come back to boxing. I’m very happy for him.”
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Sky Sports’ Andy Scott explains why Tyson Fury is coming out of retirement and provides insight into his opponent Arslanbek Mahmudov
Fury is now 37 years old and has been a professional fighter since 2008, but Sulaiman believes he still has many years left in the sport.
“Tyson has never been injured. He’s always fit, he’s always focused. I think there’s been a Tyson Fury[in boxing]for a long time,” the WBC president said.
“Both in boxing and outside of boxing, he faced great challenges with addiction and overcame them. He came back and knocked out (Deontay) Wilder to become a champion and went on to do great things as a champion, inspiring and influencing many people around the world.”
“This is just an incredible story and he represents the best of boxing.”
