Tyson Fury‘s comeback to boxing has been confirmed, with the former heavyweight world champion coming out of retirement to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11.
The blockbuster fight will take place in the United Kingdom and will be streamed live worldwide on Netflix, marking the platform’s first-ever live sports broadcast from the UK.
Fury, who has not fought since stepping away from the sport for a fifth time, will make his return in front of home fans for the first time in nearly four years.
The event will be promoted by The Ring, with the venue and full undercard to be revealed in the coming weeks.
The announcement was confirmed by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and president of the Saudi Boxing Federation, who welcomed Fury’s decision to return.
‘We are happy that Tyson decided to come out of retirement for what should be an exciting heavyweight clash against Makhmudov,’ Alalshikh said.
Tyson Fury’s comeback to boxing has been confirmed, with the former heavyweight world champion coming out of retirement to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11
The Gypsy King, 36, holds a professional record of 34 wins, two losses and one draw, with 24 knockouts. The two defeats on his record came against Oleksandr Usyk
Netflix vice president of sports Gabe Spitzer described Fury as one of the most compelling figures in modern boxing and said the company was thrilled to showcase his return to the ring.
The Gypsy King, 36, holds a professional record of 34 wins, two losses and one draw, with 24 knockouts. The two defeats on his record came against Oleksandr Usyk.
His opponent Makhmudov has stopped 19 of his 21 opponents and is widely regarded as one of the division’s most dangerous knockout artists.
He goes into the fight on the back of the most significant victory of his career, a unanimous decision triumph over British cult hero Dave Allen last October.
‘Excited to be back,’ Fury said following the announcement. ‘Heart’s always been and always will be in boxing. Someone go tell the king that the ace is back.’
Fury has also indicated he plans to fight three times in 2026 – stating Fabio Wardley could be an option for the summer.
Makhmudov said he welcomed the challenge, promising an all-action contest against the former heavyweight world champion.
‘I am thrilled about the opportunity. I’m coming to deliver a war,’ he said. ‘Tyson Fury has been a big champion. I will be more ready than ever to leave with a massive W.’
Makhmudov has stopped 19 of his 21 opponents and is widely regarded as one of the division’s most dangerous knockout artists
He goes into the fight on the back of the most significant victory of his career, a unanimous decision triumph over British cult hero Dave Allen last October
Netflix is also continuing its partnership with Fury off the canvas, with the second season of At Home With the Furys due to be released this spring, alongside a feature-length documentary exploring his life and career.
Both fighters are expected to embark on a multi-city press tour ahead of the April showdown, with further details to be announced.
Meanwhile, questions remain over what lies ahead for Anthony Joshua – who had been expected to face Fury later this summer, prior to the tragic loss of two close friends in a car accident in Nigeria in December.
Joshua’s long-time strength coach Sina Ghami and his personal trainer Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele were killed in a road traffic collision near Lagos. Their funeral was held on January 4 at a mosque in London.
The former heavyweight champion has kept a low profile since the tragedy but recently returned to training, sharing images of himself back in the gym in mid-January, which he described as ‘mental strength therapy.’
Joshua pictured with friends Latif Ayodele (centre) and Sina Ghami who both died in a crash
Joshua has returned to boxing training, sharing footage of sessions earlier on this month
Joshua’s boxing future has understandably remained uncertain during a period of mourning, with those close to him stressing the importance of allowing him the time and space to grieve.
However, his promoter Eddie Hearn, who has worked with him since he turned professional in 2013, has indicated he believes Joshua will eventually continue his career in honour of his late friends.