Tyson Fury injected comedy into Monday’s press conference when he tickled Arslanbek Makhmudov during their first face-off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The bizarre moment capped an event where Fury declared he was returning to make boxing great again and predicted a sixth-round knockout victory April 11. The former two-time heavyweight champion appeared relaxed and confident, drawing laughs from the London crowd with his antics and one-liners.
The 37-year-old Fury looked noticeably slimmer at 18 stone 11 pounds, roughly 17 pounds lighter than his most recent fight against Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024. Eight weeks of training in Thailand have transformed his physique ahead of the Netflix showcase event. Fury insisted the sunshine and warm weather motivated him more than England’s dreary rain, claiming the tropical climate knocked 10 years off his biological age.
Fury Promises Knockout Statement
The Gypsy King delivered vintage entertainment during the press conference, explaining he chose Makhmudov specifically because fighting a dangerous opponent motivates him to train seriously. Fury dismissed concerns about ring rust after 15 months away from competition, stating he feels fresh and ready despite approaching 38 years old. The British heavyweight cited examples of Archie Moore defending his title at 48 and Roberto Duran competing successfully into his 50s as proof age remains irrelevant.
Fury revealed he plans to train solo for this comeback without a traditional cornerman, relying instead on his decades of experience and boxing knowledge. His father John Fury will likely assist between rounds, but the champion insists he knows his own body better than any trainer could at this stage of his career. The unconventional approach raised eyebrows among boxing analysts who questioned whether even elite fighters can effectively coach themselves.
Makhmudov Brings Knockout Power
The Russian-Canadian challenger boasts a terrifying record with 19 knockouts in 21 victories, including 17 stoppages within the first three rounds. Makhmudov stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 270 pounds of lean muscle, presenting a genuine physical threat to any heavyweight. His most recent performance came against Dave Allen in October 2025, where he claimed the WBA Inter-Continental title via unanimous decision over 12 rounds.
Makhmudov embraced the underdog role during the press conference, declaring that God prepared him for this exact moment since their 2017 photograph together in Canada. The challenger expressed confidence despite facing one of boxing’s biggest personalities, noting he successfully competed before 10,000 hostile fans in Sheffield without losing focus. Makhmudov promised to hunt Fury from the opening bell, refusing to show fear or respect once they enter the ring.
Netflix Brings Boxing to Mainstream
The April 11 event marks Netflix’s first live boxing card from the United Kingdom, following their successful Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson spectacle last year. More than 64,000 fans are expected to pack Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Fury’s homecoming fight, his first in Britain since defeating Derek Chisora in 2022. Netflix subscribers worldwide will access the fight at no additional cost, potentially exposing the sport to hundreds of millions of new viewers.
Fury emphasized how his return elevates the entire heavyweight division, noting fighters make significantly more money competing against him than anyone else. The champion called out both Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley as potential future opponents before expressing interest in a trilogy fight against Usyk. Fury maintains he won both previous encounters despite judges awarding split decisions to the Ukrainian champion.
Training Camp Fuels Comeback
The Gypsy King spent eight weeks in Thailand preparing his body and mind for the comeback, embracing activities beyond traditional boxing training. Fury incorporated Shaolin Kempo, kickboxing and zen meditation into his regimen while enjoying consistent 30-degree weather. The champion explained that waking up in sunshine creates happiness and motivation, while England’s rain triggers depression and laziness.
Fury admitted he genuinely believed his retirement would last forever when he initially walked away from boxing in January 2025. The death of Anthony Joshua and its reminder about life’s fragility ultimately convinced him to return while he still possessed his skills. Fury cited boxing as the most addictive drug on earth, claiming fighters never truly escape the sport’s gravitational pull regardless of age or accomplishments.
