Fury Weighs in Lighter for Makhmudov Showdown

Tyson Fury and Arslanbek Makhmudov stepped onto the scales ahead of their highly anticipated heavyweight bout at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This marks Fury's first fight since his rematch loss to Oleksandr Usyk in late 2024, following a brief retirement. Now, at 37, his conditioning and form are under scrutiny. Fury tipped the scales at 267.9lbs, a decrease from the 281lbs he weighed for his Usyk rematch, albeit while dressed. Fury shared with Netflix, "Camp gets tougher with each passing fight. As I age, I'm more prone to injuries, and Father Time waits for no one. However, I still have a lot to give. After a few more retirements, I should be set. "My priority is to defeat this opponent; I have several goals in mind, including reclaiming the belts. I was undefeated for 17 years, which I took for granted. After two consecutive losses, I'm now the hunter, not the hunted. It's a feeling I last experienced in 2015, and it's great to feel like the young, fresh fighter I once was. "First, I'll take care of this big man, and then I'll face the next one." Makhmudov, a seasoned heavyweight contender with two losses and a knockout ratio of over 90%, looked formidable at 264.9lbs. In contrast to Fury's typical bravado, Makhmudov has been relatively quiet in the lead-up to the fight. "I'm ready to go and make my story happen, make my dream a reality," Makhmudov said. "It's my time. When I was nine, my uncle told me I'd be like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. I'm prepared to go the distance, whether it's 12 or 20 rounds, no problem." Conor Benn weighed in at 149.5lbs for his first fight since moving back down from middleweight, where he fought Chris Eubank Jr. twice. "I could have made 147, but until you do it, you're not sure," Benn said. "Everyone I've faced has been more experienced, but it's my job to prove I'm at their level consistently. I've been sparring with middleweights in the gym, so I'm excited to face someone my own size for a change." American opponent Regis Prograis came in slightly lighter at 148.1lbs, having moved up from super-lightweight following his unanimous decision win over Joseph Diaz in August. "I think it comes down to levels; I'm a two-time world champion and have been the best in the world," Prograis said. "I don't take anything away from Conor Benn, but I believe I'm the better fighter. When I look into his eyes, he's ready, and so am I. I think I can bring out things in him that he hasn't seen before." Richard Riakporhe hit the scales at 234.12lbs ahead of his British heavyweight title fight against defending champion Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva, who weighed 262.7lbs. "It was crazy when I had to get down to cruiserweight; I'd run many miles, skip meals, and eat salads for days before a fight," Riakporhe said. "Being the British champion is legendary, and I'm glad to be a part of it." Frazer Clarke weighed in at 259.12lbs as he prepares to face Australian Justis Huni, who was the lighter of the two at 246.14lbs in his first fight since being knocked out by Fabio Wardley last June. Clarke seeks a comeback win after his defeat to TKV cost him the British title. "I'm not feeling pressure; I'm excited. If you don't enjoy what you do, you'll never excel in it," Clarke said. "Since moving to Joe Gallagher's camp, the excitement and positivity are palpable, and it all comes down to Saturday night. People have short memories; I'm a good fighter, and I'll prove it on Saturday. We know Huni can box, and aside from his loss to Wardley, he's looked good in all his fights, but I can also box."