Tyson Fury beats Arslanbek Makhmudov on points as Anthony Joshua rejects ringside request

Callum Vurley
Sat, 11 Apr 2026 21:57:15 +0000

Tyson Fury marked his return to British boxing with a commanding unanimous decision triumph over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tonight.

The 37-year-old former champion had been absent from the ring for 16 months following consecutive defeats to unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury demonstrated his ring craft and experience to control the Russian challenger throughout all 12 rounds in north London.

The scorecards reflected his dominance, with two judges awarding it 120-108 and the third scoring 119-109.

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It was Fury's first appearance on British soil since 2022, with his great rival Anthony Joshua watching intently from ringside.

The victory takes Fury's professional record to 35 wins, two losses and a single draw, while Makhmudov dropped to his third defeat in 24 contests.

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Fury's entrance carried deep emotional significance as he paid tribute to his late friend Ricky Hatton, the British boxing icon who passed away last year.

The Manchester fighter walked out to Hatton's iconic Blue Moon anthem while sporting shorts designed in his friend's distinctive style.

What began as a sombre moment quickly transformed into jubilation as pyrotechnics and flames erupted around Fury on a raised platform before the packed stadium crowd.

The Gypsy King danced and grinned, drawing energy from the rapturous reception.

At 37, Fury acknowledges his time in the sport is finite, yet such an overwhelming welcome made his decision to return from retirement entirely understandable.

Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh, who staged the event, had earlier teased that "the biggest fight in the history of England" was close to being finalised.

Makhmudov came out aggressively from the opening bell, charging at Fury and driving him back towards the ropes with frantic rushes.

The Russian landed his right hand early, posing a genuine threat in the opening exchanges.

However, Fury quickly found his rhythm in the second round, landing clean shots that drew huge roars from the crowd after Makhmudov left himself exposed following a wild attack.

By the third, Fury was dictating proceedings with sharp jabs and combinations, at one point buckling his opponent's legs with a well-timed right hook.

The former champion worked effectively on the inside during clinches and showcased his versatility by switching to southpaw in the later rounds.

Makhmudov slipped to the canvas in the tenth after a fierce exchange, though he survived to hear the final bell.

The real fireworks came after the final bell when Fury immediately crossed the ring to confront Joshua.

FURY DEFEATS MAKHMUDOV #FuryMakhmudov pic.twitter.com/QRCsE10EPP
— Netflix (@netflix) April 11, 2026

"I want to give you the fight you've all been waiting for. I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let's give the fight fans what they want, the battle of Britain. I want to fight you next, do you accept my challenge?!" Fury declared.

Joshua remained in his seat and declined to accept the challenge.

Fury responded with characteristic bluntness: "You're a big s***house, do you want the fight or not?!"

The Manchester man continued his verbal assault, adding: "There's no running from me this time - 10 years in the making, let's f***ing dance."

The exchange set the stage for what could become British boxing's most anticipated showdown.

Joshua responded with a scathing attack of his own, labelling his rival a "clout-chaser" and refusing to be dictated to.

IT'S TIME ‼️

Tyson Fury officially challenges Anthony Joshua to fight him NEXT 🔥🇬🇧#FuryMakhmudov is LIVE NOW on Netflix 📺 pic.twitter.com/2zAG7NAgqQ
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) April 11, 2026

"Tyson, you are a clout-chaser. I've never had no problem getting in a ring with you, I punched you up as kids, watching you tonight I'll punch you up again," Joshua fired back.

He continued: "You won't tell me what to do. I've been chasing you the last 10 years, when you're ready you come and see me. I'm the boss, you work for me. I'm the landlord. You work for me."

When pressed on whether the all-British clash was confirmed, Saudi boxing chief Alalshikh stated the decision lies solely with Joshua.

Organisers have indicated the long-awaited showdown could be next, with British fans desperate to finally witness the decade-in-the-making encounter.