Tyson Fury was inspired to return to boxing after Anthony Joshua’s tragic accident that killed two of his close friends.
Fury and Joshua, both British sports stars and former heavyweight world champions, have a long-standing rivalry.
But all personal animosity was put aside when Fury heard in December that Joshua had been involved in a car accident while visiting family in Nigeria.
Two of Joshua’s friends and training team members, Sheena Gami and Latif Ayodele, were killed. Joshua himself was hospitalized and is recovering.
In early 2025, Fury announced that he would retire from boxing. But now he will return to fight Arslanbek Makhmudov in London on April 11th.
Speaking at a press conference at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fury explained what prompted his return.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Speaking ahead of his fight with Mahmudov, Fury paid tribute to fellow heavyweight Anthony Joshua, who lost two close friends in a tragic car accident.
“Tomorrow may not come again,” he said. “For me, the biggest turning point in this comeback was the tragedy that happened with Anthony Joshua. I was on holiday in Thailand with my family over Christmas, just to get out of the rain.
“Hearing all the bad news made me realize that life is so short, so precious, and so fragile.
“Anything can happen at any time and you should never put things off until tomorrow or next year or next week, because tomorrow is never promised to anyone.
“Tomorrow is a mystery. We have to live for today. And living for that day, I made a decision there and then I decided to go back to boxing, because it’s something that I love and am passionate about and will always miss.”
“There’s no tomorrow we can postpone. That’s why we’re back today for this big game.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Frank Warren reveals Fury’s future fight plans, hints at future trilogy bout with Usyk
This is not the first time Fury has retired from boxing. “I was enjoying my retirement,” he explained. “There comes a time when you want to go back to work, and my job has always been the fight game.
“Fighting games never leave you. It’s always with you. Now and forever.”
The two faced off for the first time, with Fury standing up and playfully growling at Mahmudov.
The Canadian-based Russian has lost to Ajit Kabael and Guido Vianello, but most recently defeated David Allen in Sheffield. He knows this opportunity with Fury could be his chance.
“For me, this is a dream fight. I will continue to pursue my goals throughout my life,” Makhmudov said. “I’m just chasing my goals and enjoying his time right now.
“I’m here looking for my heritage, my story.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Speaking on the Sky Sports Ringside Toe2Toe Boxing Podcast, trainer Joe Gallagher shared his thoughts on Fury’s return to boxing and what it means for the heavyweight division.
But Fury warned him not to get too confident in beating Allen. He claims there is no comparison to the Sheffield heavyweight. “It’s like swimming in a garden pond and trying to swim across the Atlantic Ocean in bad weather,” Fury said.
The former champion can still ooze menace if he wants to. Addressing his opponent, he declared: “I’m looking forward to punching him in the face. It’s been a while, it was nostalgic. It was so nostalgic.”
“To make you want to train, to want to take it seriously, you have to fight against dangerous opponents.
“I know he can’t escape my punches. He knows he’s with a legendary fighter.”
Fury concluded with a prophecy. Of course it’s a victory. “Probably a big right hand. KO. Round 6.”
