Global media gathered today for the first official face-off ahead of the anticipated heavyweight showdown, promoted by The Ring and broadcast globally on Netflix, offering an early look at both fighters eight weeks out from fight night.
Tyson Fury is coming out of retirement to face Arslanbek Makhmudov in his first fight back in the UK for nearly four years.The giant Russian, who enters the contest with a 21-2 professional record, including 19 stoppage victories, stands at over 6’5 tall.
Fury said: “The truth is, I came back for one reason only and that’s to make boxing great again. “Since I retired, boxing has been on a downward slope. Boxing is better when Tyson Fury’s involved. With me, I brought the biggest streaming platform on Earth in Netflix. I bring a circus, I bring an entourage.
“I anticipate another sell out and another epic fight here in Britain, it’s unbelievable to be back. “I was away for the last four years and to come back to the UK with Netflix it’s a dream come true to come back to Tottenham.
“I had a great win here last time and I’m gonna have another great win here again on April 11. “I know I’ve got a dangerous knockout artist in front of me. I’m gonna make his face look like a butcher's block after four rounds. He’s going to realise he’s with a legend in the ring. April 11th, I’m gonna knock him spark out.”
Makhmudov said: ‘“For me it’s a dream fight. All my life, I have gone for my goal that my parents told me, to be champion of the world. I’m looking forward to April 11th to reach my goal. Tyson is a legend, a big name in boxing but I have come here to make my legacy and my
story.”
Rick Reeno, Ring Magazine CEO said: "Last year the heavyweight division felt like something was missing, some fire. It needed an injection of sorts and it's getting a massive injection in 2026 with the return of ‘The Gypsy King’, Tyson Fury."
Spencer Brown, CEO of Goldstar Promotions said: “He [Tyson] wants to get back in and wants to win this world title. It's very important to him, very important in boxing history. He wants to be known as one of the greats, and he will be and he is."
Antonin Decarie, from Eye of the Tiger Management stated: “Tyson Fury is a legend of the sport and Arslanbek has said that himself, but on April 11th it’s going to be a different story. We’re going to shock the world.”
Queensbury’s Frank Warren, said: “This is a big step up for Tyson, but for Tyson coming back to the sport it brings a totally new level of interest again. He's not just a boxer, he's one of the biggest personalities in the UK and probably in the world."
"He said he wants to win the title for the third time, that's his mission. Nearly every mission he goes on he wins. He does it, he accomplishes them.
Tickets are now on sale here.