Fury Vows to Make a Statement Against Makhmudov

Arslanbek Makhmudov lifted Tyson Fury off the ground in a bear hug during their final press conference on Thursday, but Fury took it lightly, having earlier teased Makhmudov and been hoisted into the air by his opponent. Fury is determined to start his journey to becoming a three-time world champion when he faces Makhmudov this weekend. Having recently come out of a brief retirement, his first bout since losing to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024, Fury sees this as the initial stage of his mission to reclaim a world title. Fury stated, 'For the first time in a long time, I'm the one doing the chasing, not being chased.' He added, 'I'm the top dog in this division, and I'll keep proving it.' Fury's goal is to eventually target the belts held by Usyk and Fabio Wardley, saying, 'Sooner or later, they'll all have to face me. Who else can they fight to make any real money?' At 37, after a period away from the sport, Fury must overcome doubts about his ability to make a successful comeback, including those from his own father. Fury responded, 'They all say I've lost my legs and my reactions, but tune in on Saturday night and you'll see.' He expressed confidence, saying, 'I'm still speedy, skillful, handsome, and destructive... I've never lost my speed or reactions.' Fury warned against underestimating Makhmudov, saying, 'All those other fighters can wait their turn to get beaten. Give this man the respect he deserves. He's a quick starter with 17 knockouts in the first couple of rounds.' Fury admitted, 'I feel sorry for Arslanbek Makhmudov. I'm going to make an example of him. I'll knock his head right off his shoulders. I'm ready to go.'