Fury calls out Joshua after shaking off ring rust against Makhmudov

Tyson Fury lands cleanly on Arslanbek Makhmudov, who did not go down

This was billed as the resurrection of the Gypsy King as Tyson Fury returned to the lion’s den against dangerous puncher Arslanbek Makhmudov. It was to set up, belatedly, British boxing’s heavyweight civil war. And so Fury stepped back into the light with a landslide points victory in a laboured performance.

Fury had too much nous for his Russian rival and the fight lacked drama. Anthony Joshua sat ringside on a chilly evening, and will fancy his chances against his British rival. They spoke briefly. Fury took the microphone and called on his British foe to fight.

A stony-faced Joshua initially said nothing, then replied: “I punched you out when we were kids.. and I will punch you up again.” However, Joshua still refused to fully commit to a fight.

“Ten years the fans have waited. Let’s dance,” responded Fury, who is 38 in August.

Netflix later seemed to announce the fight would happen in autumn.

After the bruising, sombre aftermath of those twin encounters with Oleksandr Usyk, both in defeat, the giant from Morecambe once more shunned retirement for the cold, hard reality of the ring.

Although Fury’s boxing skills carried him through, a knockout of Makhmudov would have capped a fully satisfactory night for the former two-time heavyweight world champion. The plan had always been to start fast, break the Russian down quickly, and make a statement. At times, Fury tried to summon that plan, but the stoppage was not there.

The Briton sat back in the first round and studied his opponent, who landed two overhand rights. The ring rust from 16 months out took time to leave the home fighter’s body.

In the second round Fury’s jab was more effective and he landed two clean check hooks, and a left uppercut as the Russian fell into the trap of coming forward aggressively.

Fury found more fluency and rhythm in the third stanza, going to the body, and set the rhythm for the ensuing rounds, outboxing and dominating his rival, with few thrilling moments. Fury took round after round, and indeed, by the end of the sixth, Makhmudov had landed 11 punches, according to the broadcast statistics. As the fight wore on, an exhausted Makhmudov clung on, looking for overhand rights, with Fury looking for a finish. Yet it never came.

Makhmudov, carved from the Urals and known as “The Lion”, even prepared for this by grappling a 10ft, 600lb bear. But he was put to the sword on the ropes in the 11th round, even if Fury could not find the punches to finish him. In the final four rounds, fans even began to leave the stadium.

That was in contrast to the ring walks. There was rapturous applause from 60,000 spectators and Fury honoured the late Ricky Hatton, draped in light blue and leaving the dressing room to the Hitman’s Blue Moon. The drama did build through the evening as Fury returned from retirement, his fifth iteration.

Fury paid tribute to the late Ricky Hatton with his shorts - Richard Pelham/Getty Images for Netflix

The subplot, of course, was that this battle would lead to a long-awaited fight with Joshua. The landscape of the blue-riband division, often a swirling vortex of ego, politics, and broken promises, found its axis again here.

Earlier, Conor Benn earned £11.8m in a catchweight 150lb support contest against former world champion Regis Prograis. Benn outfought the American over 10 rounds to earn a unanimous decision, 98-92, on the three judges’ cards.

There are major box-office fights ahead for the son of British legend Nigel Benn.

Fury is also believed to have been rewarded with a purse of £18.8m. His next fight could net him a share of about £200m in a showdown with his British foe. Joshua may want a tune-up fight first, but the clamour here was for it to happen next. We shall see, because we have been here before, teased several times.

11:18pm

Here’s more of what Joshua said

Is this genuine non-commitment from Joshua, which would be understandable considering the death of his two friends in December, or is this simply being coy with the aim of building up the hype and expectation?

On the possible fight...

“There are negotiations that you go through. I have been at this table with him many times. In my heart, I’d fight Fury tomorrow, especially after watching that. There is not a problem fighting him.

“I am not here to get clout. I am here to fight. The contract will be sent over, we will go through the nitty gritty, and you will probably see us in the ring next, more than likely - but I am not here to get in the ring, shouting in someone’s face. If you look at my track record, I have never done that. I came to watch the fight, I saw what I saw, and I know what I need to do.”

If you had your way, would you have a warm up fight before Fury?

“Good question. There is both options. We’ll see. I was in a serious incident maybe four months ago. I need to really check out what is going on with my return to the ring. But I’m here, keeping my eye on the game. I am not ducking anyone, there is just things in my life I need to tend to.

“I am sorting some things out. My brothers, their parents, the brotherhood of taking care of things. That is the priority right now.”

11:14pm

More from Fury on tonight’s fight...

“Sixteen months out, it’s a long time, but I got back to my boxing and I got a good, sharp 12 rounds there.

“I got 12 rounds against a tough opponent, a knockout specialist. That is better than a one rounder against a bum. I just took out the number five contender in the world with ease.”

11:03pm

Turki Al-Sheikh takes the mic...

...before Tyson Fury takes it and says: “I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua, I want to give the country the fight it wants...do you accept my challenge?”

The Saudi then talks some more before Fury again shouts at Joshua and calls him something that this reputable paper will not publish, but it goes along the lines of “s-------e”.

Joshua is then, with mic in hand, non committal.

“I punched you up when we were kids and I’ll punch you up again,” he says. “You aren’t going to tell me what to do, I’ve been chasing you for 10 years.

“I’m the boss, you work for me. I’m the landlord. You work for me.”

Fury then responds: “10 years in the making, let’s get this fight done.”

The Gypsy King then sings a song for Ricky Hatton and praises Jesus...he ends by saying: “You [Anthony Joshua] are next. You are getting knocked out. Believe it.”

Tyson Fury calls out Anthony Joshua after his victory - Alex Livesey/Getty Images

10:58pm

FURY WINS BY UNANIMOUS DECISION

All three judges called it for the Gypsy King, no shock there at all.

Before the scores were announced, Fury wanted Anthony Joshua to come into the ring, AJ, however, is having none of it.

It was never in any doubt: Fury dominated Makhmudov - Richard Pelham/Getty Images

10:53pm

Round 12: Fury ends as he started, in control

Makhmudov is looking forward to hearing the final bell, and it doesn’t look as though Fury is too bothered about ending it before then. The Briton has landed a fair few uppercuts tonight and lands another this round. With 50 seconds left, there’s a bit of hugging before Fury lands a couple of body shots, he’s had a solid, easy fight tonight. He’s been in control since the second round and wins this with ease.

Fury 10-9

10:50pm

Round 11: Fury well on top

Fury’s trainer Sugar Hill Steward wants Fury to end the fight this round. The Briton, however, doesn’t look as though he’s increasing the intensity, it’s more of the same, namely, lots of jabs and body shots from Fury as the Russian stands there and takes the punishment. Fury then pins Makhmudov in the corner and lands some combinations. Once again his opponent takes the pain.

Fury 10-9

10:46pm

Round 10: Makhmudiv can take a punch

Makhmudov’s legs buckle after a big right hand from Fury. The Briton then lands another uppercut, that shot is getting closer and closer for the favourite. Fury is unloading on the Russian who is on the ropes, will this end this round? The answer to that is ‘no’, there’s another big right hand from Fury and Makhmudov can take a punch.

Fury 10-9

10:42pm

Round Nine: Fury continues to dictate pace

Coming into this round Fury had landed 106 to Makhmudov’s 44, that sums this bout up. It’s a case of can the Russian throw and land the miracle punch, or when does the Briton decide to end it. Makhmudov is show more than a lot of heart in there, however. Fury continues to dictate the pace, he has since the second round, and continues to land more punches than is spirited opponent. The round ends with a good combination from the Briton.

Fury 10-9

Fury has been in control since the second round - Alex Livesey/Getty Images

10:38pm

Round Eight: Fury getting rounds under his belt

Fury continues to work behind the jab, the battering ram. The Briton keeps plugging away, if he wants the KO he’s not showing it. It seems as though he wants rounds under his belt, with the possible bout against Joshua later this year. As soon as I typed that, however, Fury lands an uppercut and the Russian is hurt, he’s finding his target more and more.

Fury 10-9

10:34pm

Round Seven: Makhmudiv hanging in there

Uppercut from Fury lands, but Makhmudov then responds well with two head shots of his own. With a minute to go the Russian is on the ropes, he hugs/wrestles/smoothers the Briton and is lasting more than many thought he would.

Fury 10-9

10:30pm

Round Six: Fury enjoying himself

Fury is playing in there now, he’s looking to land a big uppercut. The Russian keeps coming at the Briton but it’s crude and he’s not landing anything. Makhmudov is getting slower and slower and the chance, the gap for Fury to finish this, you suspect, will come sooner rather than later. The Briton is toying with the Russian now and enjoying this, does he want to get 10-12 round under his belt?

Fury 10-9

Fury is toying with Makhmudov - Richard Pelham/Getty Images

10:25pm

Round Five: More wrestling than boxing

Fury now dominating the centre and is landing the jab more and more. He’s not rushing this, he knows that the longer this goes on the more Makhmudov’s energy will dwindle. Every time the Russian swings and misses (more and more) the more he gets tired. There is more wrestling than boxing in the ring at the moment. But when he gets the chance, Fury is landing the odd jab. Again, his round.

Fury 10-9

10:21pm

Round Four: Fury going up a gear

Coming into the fight Fury has fought over 200 pro rounds to Makhmudov’s 70, how much gas does the Russian have in the tank. Fury lands and left-right combination. He even attacks the body and he looks as though he’s enjoying it in there. Madhmudiv, however, is still swinging. Another round to Fury.

Fury 10-9

10:18pm

Round Three: Fury well on top

At the end of the second round it looked as though Makhmudov was tired. Fury is now throwing and landing more jabs, the Briton, you suspect, just has to stay focused to win this. Avoid the momentary lapse, as the Russian has a big punch in him. Fury is dominating, having unloaded with a big body assault. The Briton is landing more and more punches and Makhmudov, it is clear, doesn’t have a Plan B.

Fury 10-9

Fury is on top against Makhmudov - Andrew Couldridge/Action Images via Reuters

10:13pm

Round Two: Better from Fury

Good effort from Makhmudov in the opening round, can he back it up here? The Russian is again on the front foot, he was expected to come out strong, but the longer this goes on the more Fury becomes an even bigger favourite. There are more swings thrown by Makhmudov, it doesn’t look as though many are landing. Fury turns the tables on the Russian and lands a couple of punches. That was the Briton’s round.

Fury 10-9

10:09pm

Round One: Positive start from Makhmudov

Positive start from Makhmudov, a fighter who could shock this evening if Fury isn’t up to his usual standard. The Russian hasn’t many gears but he comes ahead smothering Fury in the corner. The Russian is in the centre and making the running here, but Fury is comfortable and the Briton lands a couple of jabs. Makhmudov counter attacks but swings and misses, Fury is avoiding the Russian’s attacks.

Makhmudov 10-9

10:03pm

We’re moments away from the start

Fury’s been out of action for 16 months. How will he fare against the Russian who wrestles with brown bears?

We’re about to find out...

09:58pm

Tyson Fury walks out to...

...Evanescence’s Wake Me Up.

Before the music started, however, Fury asked (via the stadium announcer) for everyone to stand for Ricky Hatton, while Blue Moon played – nice touch.

Tyson Fury walking out to a packed Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - Richard Pelham/Getty Images

09:55pm

Arslan Makhmudov

Walks out to what I think are air-raid sirens. One for the Vera Lynn fans...

09:54pm

It’s...

...Michael Buffer - who else?! - announcing the ring walks. Does it count as a ‘BIG’ heavyweight fight if the American with the dulcet loud tones isn’t announcing the ring walks?

09:50pm

Ready for the big one

While Benn was beating Prograis we saw shots of Turki Al-Sheikh in Tyson Fury’s dressing room. Benn came into his own in the later rounds. I scored it 97-93 to the Briton.

The stadium looks just about full now, estimated at 60,000 spectators, and there is a general ennui about this fight, a hubbub. Expectation is for Fury, and what he may – or may not – have left.

09:48pm

Conor Benn wins with a unanimous decision

All three judges scored it 98-92.

No shock and no controversy. Benn improves to 25-1, what does the future hold for the Briton after he’s left Eddie Hearn>

Conor Benn was solid but not spectacular during his victory over Regis Prograis - Richard Pelham/Getty Images

09:42pm

Round 10: Solid from Benn

Benn is well on top on points, Prograis needs a knockout to win this. The American, however, is on the back foot and barring a miracle punch the Briton has won this. The lucky punch doesn’t arrive and Benn, surely, has this won.

09:38pm

Round Nine: Prograis under pressure

This bout has calmed down a tad since the opening flurry of punches. Benn continues to land good body shots, Prograis has done well, he’s the lighter man but he’s stayed on his feet well. The American’s face is swollen, he’s taken a few to the head.

One round to go and Benn is on top.

09:34pm

Round Eight: Benn taking control

Prograis looks to go to the body but without much luck. Benn has grown stronger these past few rounds, and is on top on points.

09:30pm

Round Seven: Benn goes up a gear

Prograis legs seem to be a bit unsteady, can Benn capitalise? The Briton is younger by eight years and is looking to put together combinations against the American and is landing a few punches here. Prograis is off balance. Benn is really putting the American under pressure, there are a load of clean body shots and the odd right to the head. Those body shots will be draining Prograis of energy.

09:27pm

Round Six: Benn cut above both eyes

Prograis lands with a big left early on. Benn responds with a right uppercut. Another follows 30 seconds after. But it looks as though Benn is cut over both eyes. His face is covered with a fair bit of blood, possibly from a clash of heads.

Benn and Prograis are evenly matched in north London - Andrew Couldridge/Action Images via Reuters

09:21pm

Round Five: Tight contest

Benn is trying to ask questions of Prograis, he’s on the front round and lands a couple rights. But, at the same time, Prograis is landing a few of his own. As I type that he lands a left to the head and another to the body. The confidence of the American is noticeably growing as this fight progresses.

09:18pm

Round Four: Prograis growing in confidence

Prograis lands a right early on and it seems to galvanise him. He looks more confident in this round and definitely more on the front foot. Benn is still right behind the jab. As the round comes to a close Benn lands a left hook, but this has been, just, Prograis’s round.

Prograis on the attack in north London - Bradley Collyer/PA

09:15pm

Round Three: Benn on top in second gear

Benn has landed 22 jabs to 11 from Prograis. The Briton is on top having not really got out of second gear.

09:10pm

Round Two: Better from Prograis

Prograis is trying to keep Benn at bay and aiming not to be stuck on the ropes. Benn is missing a few shot to the American’s head. This better from Prograis, he’s waiting for the Briton to make a mistake and not leading off punches too much.

09:07pm

Round One: Benn starts well

Both promised a fast start and they meet in the centre of the ring and launch a flurry of punches. But it soon calms down. That is until Benn lands a left-right combination. The Briton is on top against the American, who is struggling to counter-punch, he’s a bit flat footed. Benn finishes strongly and it’s his round.

09:02pm

They’re about to get under way

Can Benn live up to the pressure to deliver? We’re about to find out...

08:56pm

Conor Benn

Opts for Ready Or Not by the Fugees, (both song choice are Old School...) with his father by his side.

08:53pm

Time for the ring walks

Regis Prograis comes in to Stand by Me by Ben E King, while wearing a Creole warewolf mask

08:49pm

‘You must be my lucky star’

Here’s a little known fact about Richard Riakporhe, the new British heavyweight champion. He’s very good friends with Madonna. She sent him messages this week, and wanted him to appear as a model on her latest video. He couldn’t do it – he was in camp for this fight. He has worked with her in the past.  Riakporhe, 36, is on a second life. Before boxing, he was stabbed a few years ago, and almost died in the knife attack.

Richard Riakporhe has a famous friend - Richard Pelham/Getty Images

08:44pm

Here’s Gareth’s article on that civil war

In combat sports, loyalty is nothing but loose change. And in recent weeks boxing has reminded us that the only currencies that matter are leverage and big money.

This has been evidenced by Conor Benn who, in a heartbeat, has transitioned from Eddie Hearn’s “special project” to Dana White’s newly formed Zuffa Boxing, signing a staggering $15m (£11.2m) one-fight deal.

The civil war between Hearn’s Matchroom and Zuffa Boxing is no longer a war of words whispered in gym corners; it is now a full-scale territorial dispute.

08:42pm

Conor Benn up next

It’s freezing. But it’s also star-studded event as this great football stadium hosts another night of fine heavyweight boxing.

Richard Riakporhe has beaten Jeamie ‘TKV’ Tshikeva and claimed the British heavyweight title.

It has become intriguing covering the sport, more than at any stage of my time covering boxing.

Up next, Conor Benn, who has been a central protagonist for several weeks in the civil war going on between promoters namely Eddie Hearn and Dana White.

If anything goes badly here for Benn, Hearn may well be smiling...

08:30pm

Riakporhe wins by stoppage

He looked good throughout and a fifth-round stoppage does for Jeamie ‘TKV’ Tshikeva. Riakporhe is the new British Heavyweight Champion.

08:23pm

Who do you think will win?

08:18pm

Tyson Fury speaks to Netflix - ‘I’ve been so relaxed and calm’

On his preparation...

“It’s been so relaxed and calm, no jitters, I’ve rested all day. It’s now starting to get real and it’s starting to get to fight time.”

On whether Arslanbek Makhmudov is a threat...

“Anyone is potential banana skin, it’s the heavyweight boxing and one punch can end the fight. But the best of Tyson Fury beats the best of Arslanbek Makhmudov.”

08:12pm

Also there is Ronnie Wood

‘I know, it’s only boxing, but I like it...’ is not a song Ronnie Wood, the famous Rolling Stone, had anything to do with - Kate Green/Getty Images

08:09pm

The Rest Is A Night Out At The Boxing...

Gary Lineker and Micah Richards are at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this evening.

Gary Lineker and Micah Richards ahead of the big fight - Ben Whitley/PA

08:07pm

The second fight on the main undercard is...

Jeamie TKV vs Richard Riakporhe...

Tshikeva beat Clarke following a controversial defeat to David Adeleye last April. Tonight he faces a tough challenge in Richard Riakporhe. The Londoner put the heavyweight division on notice after his last fight when he knocked out Tommy Welch in the second round.

08:03pm

The main man has arrived

07:59pm

Huni wins by majority decision

One judge scored it 95-95. The other two went with 96-94, and it’s another defeat for the Briton.

Justis Huni beat Frazer Clarke on points - Richard Pelham/Getty Images

07:55pm

The Clarke vs Huni fight has gone the distance

It was closely fought, but the Australian, Huni, may have edged it, just...

07:51pm

Joshua present ahead of possible Fury bout

The drama will build as Tyson Fury returns, in his fifth iteration.

What does the Gypsy King have left? The subplot, of course, is that this fight leads to the generation buster against Anthony Joshua. AJ is already here in his seat, watching his old pal Frazer Clarke in his current fight with Justis Huni. And Big Fraze looks good. More psychodrama, too, with Conor Benn who dumped promoter Eddie Hearn. Eddie has just arrived too...

It’s chilly here. But slowly filling up... Amazing stadium for boxing.

Anthony Joshua is at the stadium to watch the big fight - Bradley Collyer/PA

07:39pm

Six rounds gone

And Clarke has come back into this. Huni has weathered the storm from the fourth round and this is now closely matched.

07:31pm

Clarke wakes up

Huni has been on top but the bell saves him here. Earlier in this, the fourth round Clarke hit the Australian with a big uppercut. Then the Briton lands with a few combinations. Clarke needed something from that round and that was his round by a mile.

Andrew Couldridge/Action Images via Reuters

07:27pm

After three rounds

Huni is on top against Clarke. The Australian is landing his punches and looking good against the Briton.

07:13pm

First up is England vs Australia

Starting the main card is a tantalising heavyweight showdown between Justis Huni and Frazer Clarke.

Huni lost in the last round against Fabio Wardley last time out, courtesy of a 10th-round knockout. The Aussie star will be looking to get back to winning ways against Clarke, who also comes into the bout on the back of a defeat, this one to Jeamie Tshikeva.

Both have something to prove, this is a good start to the main undercard.

06:47pm

The main fight and biggest bouts on the undercard

• Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov
• Conor Benn vs Regis Prograis (8.55)
• Jeamie TKV vs Richard Riakporhe (8:02)
• Frazer Clarke vs Justis Huni (7.17)

06:33pm

Fury back and talking a good game

There’s nothing more predictable than a boxer retiring for the umpteenth time only to step back into the ring. So it’s no shock to see Tyson Fury back again, talking a good game about getting his world-title belts back.

The former heavyweight champion is back and set to fight Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this evening. And, it’s no surprise to hear him being optimistic.

“Whoever has the belts I want to get them back. I was undefeated for 17 years and took it for granted,” he said at Friday’s weigh-in in London.

“I had two losses in a row and I’m not the hunted now but I’m the hunter. It feels great to be the young, fresh hunter again.

“I want to make a statement, so I’ve come in nice and light and lean.”

The defeats he talks about are the back-to-back loses against Oleksandr Usyk, both in 2024. Before then he was unbeaten and he says a decent time in the sun in Thailand was all he needed to get back to thinking about boxing again.

“I was feeling so good I thought I’m just going to go into camp over here [in Thailand], train over here and get a fight. And that’s exactly what I did. I had zero intentions of making a comeback when I came here in December, none, I was happily retired,” Fury said of his time in south-east Asia.

“And then the sunshine, a bit of training and one thing led to another and next thing I’ve signed a massive contract.

“The next thing it’s at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the world’s going to watch it.”

The record of Fury’s Russian opponent is 21-2, with 19 of his wins coming by way of knockout. His most recent bout was against David Allen in October 2025.

Stay here for all the big-fight action  and best of the undercard, with the ring walks expected just gone 10pm.

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