“Let’s see who’s the best”: Tyson Fury’s potential next opponent says he’s ready for fight

Tyson Fury is currently planning his return to the boxing ring.

Former world heavyweight champion Fury announced his retirement from the sport a year ago after suffering back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.

After sitting out for 12 months, ‘The Gypsy King’ is now preparing for his comeback, with a number of opponents said to be in the running to face him.

One of them is hard-hitting Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov, who promoter Frank Warren believes would ‘make sense’ for his ring return.

“I agree with that [it makes sense] … [Tyson] is a very intelligent guy. He knows what he wants to do and how to get there. Of course there’s a discussion over opponents and so forth, but he’s not stupid … We may do that [Makhmudov fight].”

In an interview with Boxing King Media Makhmudov spoke about his hopes of securing a clash against Fury.

“Hey Gypsy King. Now I think you know about me everything. I would want to say be ready if god willing we’re going to meet. Anywhere, any place. Send location, send date, of course good money. We fight and we’ll see who is the best.

Nothing personal, just sport. All respect from me. I like you as a boxer. British fans, I love you guys, remember my name, Arslanbek Makhmudov. You’re going to love me guys like I said last time.”

Makhmudov made himself known to British fans back in October when he earned a unanimous decision victory over Dave Allen in Sheffield.

That saw the Russian take his record to 21 wins from 23 fights, 19 of those victories coming by knockout, showing the big power that he possesses.

His defeats have come at the hands of Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello, with a potential clash against Fury no doubt acting as the toughest test of Makhmudov’s career.

Fury’s manager Spencer Brown also confirmed that Tony Yoka and Efe Ajagba were in the mix to be Fury’s comeback opponent, though Ajagba has now reportedly signed for a fight against Charles Martin in February.