Fury returns with dominant win, calls out Anthony Joshua for ‘Battle of Britain’

Tyson Fury marked his comeback to boxing with an unanimous decision victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, before calling out Anthony Joshua for a long-awaited showdown.

The 37-year-old former heavyweight champion is returning from a 15-month retirement, was not at his explosive best but showcased superior ring IQ and technical control to outbox Makhmudov across 12 largely one-sided rounds. Despite occasional threats from the Russian’s overhand right, Fury dictated the tempo to secure wide scorecards of 120-108, 120-108 and 119-109.

Fury turned his attention to Anthony Joshua, inviting him into the ring.

“I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me next. Do you accept?” Fury demanded.

Fury responded with equal intensity, warning: “You are next. You are getting knocked out. Believe it.”

The bout reignited interest in a clash long considered one of boxing’s biggest “what-ifs,” with momentum now building toward a potential blockbuster all-British showdown.

It was Fury’s first outing since back-to-back defeats to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, taking his record to 35 wins, two losses and one draw. For Makhmudov, 36, the defeat marked his third in 24 professional fights.

Earlier in the contest, Makhmudov started aggressively, pressing Fury onto the ropes with wild but forceful attacks. However, Fury gradually established control, punishing his opponent’s positional lapses with sharp counters.

By the middle rounds, Fury’s jab and movement had taken over, briefly wobbling Makhmudov in the third and continuing to land cleanly through the fight. A late push in the 11th, including a switch to southpaw, nearly produced a stoppage, but Makhmudov survived to the final bell.

Addressing the crowd post-fight, Fury made his intentions clear: “Next, I want to give you the fight you’ve all been waiting for Anthony Joshua. Let’s give the fans the Battle of Britain.”