Fury v Makhmudov - heavyweight predictions

After 15 months away from the ring, Tyson Fury will make his return to heavyweight boxing on Saturday against Arslanbek Makhmudov in London.

The two-time heavyweight world champion will face the Russian at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Fury, 37, will be aiming to bounce back from consecutive defeats by Oleksandr Usyk, which prompted him to briefly retire from the sport.

In Makhmudov, he faces a 6ft 6in opponent who boasts 19 stoppages in 21 wins, though he has also been beaten twice.

With a potential long-awaited fight against Anthony Joshua in the works - or another shot at a world title - can Fury make a winning return and force his way back into heavyweight contention?

• Fury v Makhmudov - all you need to know

Or will 36-year-old Makhmudov cause an almighty upset in north London?

BBC Sport spoke to figures from the boxing world to get their predictions for Saturday's fight.

Lennox Lewis - heavyweight legend

"It's going to be a Tyson Fury fight where he goes out there and does what he wants. He's elusive, moves well, he can throw great combinations plus he's quick. I think he does it in round seven or eight."

Prediction - Fury

Natasha Jonas - former two-weight world champion

"Fury is unpredictable. He can be either on fire against the likes of Deontay Wilder or a bit lacklustre and does what he needs to do against the likes of Otto Wallin. But I still expect him to win, regardless of which Fury turns up."

Prediction - Fury

Conor Benn - welterweight

"There isn't any advice you can give him. He knows what he is doing. The big man knows what he is doing. He has been boxing before I was born. So, he has taken on a challenge, and a tough test. It isn't going to be a pushover, but ultimately, I back Fury to win."

Prediction - Fury

David Haye - retired heavyweight

"Tyson does take shots. He will want to get through the rounds, winning them but not taking any damage. Not get hit by Makhmudov, because as you get older your punch resistance doesn't get better."

Prediction - Fury

Moses Itauma - British heavyweight

"Tyson Fury, easy. A cheeky little points victory."

Prediction - Fury

Media caption,

'I was sick of the boxing game and I needed time away' - Tyson Fury on returning to the ring

Shane McGuigan - boxing trainer

"Makhmudov is tailor made for Fury. He's tall but he's straight up and down. He's a decent puncher but not ferocious. You can switch him off with a bit of head movement.

"Fury isn't the best body puncher but works the body well and Makhmudov has been stopped to the body before. I don't think it will be early, but I think Fury will break him apart and Makhmudov is vulnerable enough that Fury should be able to take him out late on."

Prediction - Fury

Fabio Wardley - WBO heavyweight world champion

"I am going for Fury on points. It may not be particularly easy but I do think he wins by a pretty clean and comfortable decision."

Prediction - Fury

Joe Gallagher - boxing trainer

"All heavyweight opponents are dangerous. Stylistically, though, I think Makhmudov is made for Fury.

"He comes in straight lines and Fury's boxing brain and ability should be too much. If he stays switched on, I expect Fury to win it on points or a round nine or 10 stoppage."

Prediction - Fury

Dillian Whyte - heavyweight

"It's a dangerous fight for Tyson early because Makhmudov is a big guy and a hard puncher. I think he should rush Tyson early and that's his best chance. If he lets Tyson get in a rhythm, get his feet back and start jabbing then he will outbox him and stop him in eight rounds."

Prediction - Fury

Media caption,

'I'm as sharp as I've ever been' - Fury looks ahead to fight with Makhmudov

Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva - British heavyweight champion

"I think a points win for Fury. Fury has the ability to outbox him. He's had some time off, he should come back fresher."

Prediction - Fury

Regis Prograis - American fighter

"For me, at one point in time I had Tyson Fury as the best heavyweight in the world. It's hard to bet against him. He might have lost a step or two, but I've still got Tyson Fury."

Prediction - Fury

Richard Riakporhe - British heavyweight

"I believe Fury's going to win by TKO."

Prediction - Fury