Tyson Fury, the British heavyweight boxer, is set to return to the ring on April 11, 2026, in a highly anticipated fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov, which will be streamed globally on Netflix. This fight marks Fury’s first appearance on UK soil since his victory over Derek Chisora in 2022.
Fury Announces Return After Retirement
Fury, 37, announced his retirement nearly a year ago following consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, but he has been preparing in Thailand to regain his form and strength ahead of his return.
Sharing his excitement on Instagram, Fury wrote:
“Well it’s official – I’m back doing what I love. I’ve brought the biggest network along with me. Netflix, this is going to be astronomical. Blessed by God.”
Arslanbek Makhmudov: The Challenger
Fury’s opponent, Arslanbek Makhmudov, is a 6ft 6in heavyweight currently based in Canada. He holds a professional record of 19 wins and 3 losses and recently gained attention for defeating Britain’s Dave Allen.
Makhmudov expressed his confidence ahead of the fight:
“I am coming to deliver a war. Tyson Fury has been a big champion, but I will be more prepared than ever to leave with a massive W.”
Fury’s Career and Past Achievements
Fury has an impressive professional record of 34 wins in 37 fights and has held two stints as world heavyweight champion. He first gained the title in 2015 after defeating Wladimir Klitschko and has faced some of the division’s top fighters, including Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, and Oleksandr Usyk.
His previous retirement was influenced by personal and career challenges, including a tragic car accident in Nigeria in December 2025, in which two of his team members lost their lives. Despite this, Fury’s commitment to the sport remains strong, and he has publicly stated plans to fight three times in 2026.
Netflix Streaming and Media Plans
This fight will be Fury’s first boxing match broadcast on Netflix. Last year, he completed filming the second season of “At Home with the Furies”, which will also be released on Netflix in spring 2026.
Fury follows Anthony Joshua, who recently made his Netflix debut by defeating YouTube star Jake Paul in six rounds in Miami last December.
Potential Future Matchups
While Fury had been expected to build toward a fight with fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua, the future of that bout remains uncertain. Fury is also reportedly open to a summer showdown with WBO champion Fabio Wardley, who holds the title following Oleksandr Usyk vacating it.
The current heavyweight king is Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian boxer who defeated Fury in 2024 and remains the only fighter to have bested him in recent years. Usyk also overcame Daniel Dubois in 2025, cementing his status as the undisputed champion.
Fury’s Plans for 2026
Fury has outlined his ambition for the year ahead:
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Fight at least three times in 2026
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Re-establish himself as a major force in the heavyweight division
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Possibly face British rivals or international champions
Fans can expect an exciting mix of power, strategy, and showmanship, as Fury combines his proven skill with Netflix’s global reach, bringing heavyweight boxing into homes worldwide.
Why This Fight Matters
This bout is significant for several reasons:
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Marks Fury’s return to the UK boxing scene
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Provides high-level competition against an up-and-coming heavyweight
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Expands boxing’s streaming audience through Netflix
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Offers opportunities for future high-profile matchups in the heavyweight division
With Fury’s reputation as one of the sport’s most charismatic and dominant fighters, anticipation is already building. Boxing fans worldwide are preparing for an event that could shape the heavyweight landscape for the rest of 2026.
