Tyson Fury’s comeback fight brings risk with little return

Arslanbek Makhmudov calls the fight with Tyson Fury a personal milestone, describing it as an ambition formed long before his professional run even started. “For me, it’s a dream fight,” Makhmudov told Sky Sports. “All my life it was a dream to fight with him, even before my professional debut 10 years ago. He was already world champion.”

Makhmudov welcomed being selected and tied the opportunity to recent visibility in Britain. “I’m very happy he’s picked me. I did a good job against Dave Allen in October, that’s why I think UK fans know me now so it’s an interesting fight.” He acknowledged setbacks without dwelling on them.

“I have a couple of losses, but everyone has some losses. I feel great because a couple of my last wins gave me good confidence about myself.” His aim is straightforward. “I go to do my best, do my job, and go for the win.”

Why the risk-reward balance leans the wrong way

For Fury, the concern is not whether he can handle Makhmudov. It is what the fight offers in return. Makhmudov is limited offensively, relying on size, strength, and the chance to hurt opponents if he lands clean, rather than pace, variety, or sustained pressure. Much of his defensive success comes from leaning, clinching, and using balance to stall exchanges. When that timing slips, his options thin out.

Recent form has reinforced that view. Losses exposed his lack of adjustment once early pressure fails, and a points win over Dave Allen did little to shift perception. Fury’s own recent outings showed more clean shots absorbed and heavier reliance on experience to get through rounds.

After time away, the real question is whether Fury can control a physically strong opponent without adding wear. A win changes little. A poor night fuels doubts. The fight remains winnable, but the benefit barely matches the risk.