Tyson Fury confirms boxing return inspired by Anthony Joshua tragedy
Tyson Fury has confirmed he will return to the ring to fight Arslanbek Makhmudov in April after being motivated by the tragic car crash involving rival Anthony Joshua.
The 37-year-old will face Russia’s Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 11 April as he emerges from retirement for the fifth time.
Fury claims the decision to end his latest hiatus was sparked by the incident in Nigeria involving Joshua, which occurred just days after his compatriot defeated Jake Paul.
While Joshua survived the crash, two of his teammates lost their lives, a tragedy that Fury says offered him a new perspective on his career.
‘Life is very fragile’
The former world heavyweight champion was vacationing in Thailand when he learned of the accident involving his long-time British rival.
Fury cited the fragility of life as the catalyst for his immediate comeback.
“I was on holiday with my family in Thailand for Christmas… then I hear all that bad news that’s gone on,” Fury said at a press conference on Monday.
“I thought: ‘You know what, life is very, very short and very precious and very fragile.’
“Anything could happen at any given moment, and you should never put things off until tomorrow or next year or next week, because tomorrow is not promised to nobody.”
The Manchester-born fighter emphasised that his passion for the sport remains undimmed.
“We have to live for today, and me, living for that day, I made my mind up there and then that I’m gonna come back to boxing – because it’s something that I love.”
Targeting a third world title
The Gypsy King has not fought since December 2024, when he suffered a second consecutive defeat by Oleksandr Usyk.
Those losses to the Ukrainian undisputed champion remain the only blemishes on Fury’s professional record.
He has now set his sights on a third reign as world heavyweight champion as he prepares to face the 36-year-old Makhmudov.
While rumours of a return circulated prior to the incident, Fury insists the realisation that “tomorrow is a mystery” was the definitive factor in signing the deal.