Tyson Fury has reignited talk of a long-awaited clash with Anthony Joshua. However, his immediate focus remains on a dangerous return bout this weekend.
The 37-year-old steps back into the ring against Arslanbek Makhmudov after 16 months away, with the contest scheduled to take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Speculation continues to build around a potential all-British heavyweight blockbustre in 2026. Still, Fury insists nothing matters beyond Saturday night’s challenge.
“If it happens, great, if it doesn’t happen, also great,” Fury said.
“I’ve got Arslanbek Makhmudov to think of on Saturday night, but all going well [Joshua is] the fight I want next.”
Joshua, meanwhile, has remained active despite setbacks outside the ring. His last outing saw him stop Jake Paul in a high-profile bout.
Plans for a Fury clash were reportedly advancing before unforeseen circumstances disrupted momentum, and now, with Joshua nearing a return, anticipation is rising once again.
“I know he just had his fight with Jake Paul, whatever… a fight’s a fight really,” Fury said.
“So yeah, I’ll be ready for that straight away after this.”
“Fury eyes Makhmudov test before dream Joshua fight
Despite the Joshua narrative, Fury faces a formidable opponent in Makhmudov. The Russian’s knockout power makes him one of the division’s most feared contenders.
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“I need a dangerous person to get my juices flowing,” Fury said.
“I’ve got a stone-cold killer in this man who could put me out in one shot. That means I have to be on my form to deal with this guy.
“At any given time in my career, I would deal with him the same as I’m going to on Saturday night.”
Fury’s return follows consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. However, he appears refreshed after a training stint abroad.
Elsewhere, he offered blunt assessments of former rivals, with his verdict on Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora sounding particularly harsh.
“I’ve never seen two men slide as much as these two,” Fury added.
“They look like a couple of club fighters from a white-collar match in a local leisure centre. It was sad for me to watch.”
Tags: Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Arslanbek Makhmudov, Deontay Wilder, Derek Chisora.
