ByKal Sajad. BBC Sport boxing journalist in London. 55 minutes ago. He’s back, again. Tyson Fury returns to the ring on Saturday against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.. The 37-year-old retired following a second consecutive points defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024. With a history of retiring and coming back, few felt he was gone for good.. Still, another hiatus from the sport leaves questions about what the Gypsy King has left to give in boxing.. BBC Sport speaks to WBO heavyweight world champion Fabio Wardley, two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas, boxing analyst Steve Bunce and renowned trainer Joe Gallagher to explore the big questions.. Is Makhmudov a risky opponent?. Image source, Getty Images. Wardley: “A very well-picked opponent for a number of reasons. He looks and sounds the part – a strong, aggressive and powerful Russian – but stylistically he’s kind of perfect for Fury.”. Jonas: “Every fight at heavyweight is a tough fight. It only takes one shot. But you would expect someone of Tyson’s class and experience to be able to handle him.”. Bunce: “Makhmudov is a really risky opponent for Fury because Makhmudov has something that all heavyweights want. After that win over Dave Allen, he has momentum.”. Gallagher: “All heavyweight opponents are dangerous. Stylistically, though, I think he’s made for Fury. He comes in straight lines and Fury’s boxing brain and ability should be too much.”. Can Fury become a world champion again?. Wardley: “In the current state of the heavyweight division, I can’t see how Fury becomes a world champion again. He would have to fight either me or Usyk – and do I think he can beat either of us? No.. “If the titles get fractured – if Usyk is stripped of a belt for one reason or another – and Fury fights someone like Lawrence Okolie or Agit Kabayel for a vacant title, then yes, he can become champion.”. Jonas: “It will be difficult for anyone to regain a world championship at heavyweight if Usyk doesn’t vacate. It all depends on him.”. Bunce: “Anybody in the top 20 or so heavyweights could become a champion in the next 12 to 18 months. Fury can definitely become a champion again. If Usyk decides to give up one, two, or even all of his belts – then Fury would be a major contender.”. Gallagher: “I think he can. It all depends on the sanctioning bodies and what happens with vacant belts and stripping champions. He’s a two-time world champion – as is Anthony Joshua – and I’m sure the race is on between them to be a three-time champion.”. Croke Park could stage Fury v Joshua in September. 20 hours ago. Fury unlikely to be world champion again – Wardley. 1 day ago. Tyson Fury Unfiltered. Could Fury beat Usyk?. Image source, Getty Images. Wardley: “I don’t think he would beat Usyk right now. For me personally, there’s no appetite in it either. I think at the moment we want to see Usyk in with someone different.”. Jonas: “I would love to see the trilogy but I just don’t know it will happen. Do
