Can Arslanbek Makhmudov Force Tyson Fury into Retirement? 'He's the Greatest of All Time'

The highly anticipated showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua may be looming, but first, Fury must overcome the formidable Arslanbek Makhmudov. The Gypsy King is set to face Makhmudov at Tottenham, his first fight since suffering back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024. Despite ongoing speculation about a potential fight against Joshua, Fury remains focused on the challenge at hand, downplaying rumors of a signed agreement. Fury expressed his skepticism about the Joshua fight, stating, 'I've heard it all before... Not that I'm aware of. I've heard it for the last 10 years apparently.' He emphasized that his primary focus is on Makhmudov, describing him as a 'big intimidating looking man' and a 'scary looking dude.' Makhmudov boasts an impressive record of 21-2, with 19 knockouts, 16 of which came within the first two rounds. Fury is not underestimating his opponent, acknowledging that Makhmudov is a 'very dangerous man' and a 'massive monster.' The 36-year-old Makhmudov has previously showcased his strength by wrestling a bear, and Fury is preparing for a tough fight. 'Smash him to pieces,' Fury said. 'He's a very dangerous man, he's a massive monster... I'm anticipating the best Arslanbek Makhmudov there's ever been, why wouldn't he be?' Fury suffered his first professional defeat in May 2024, losing to Usyk by split decision, and was outperformed in their rematch later that year. However, Makhmudov believes he will be facing the greatest heavyweight fighter in history on Saturday night. 'Tyson Fury's the best heavyweight in history,' he said. 'Big guy with big punch, of course he's dangerous, everyone at this level is dangerous. But I'm also not nobody. I have power, I have punch.' Fury is coming back from his latest 'retirement,' having stepped away from boxing after his second defeat to Usyk. While speculation about a potential fight against Joshua continues, Makhmudov is determined to retire Fury once and for all. Promoter Camille Estephan warned, 'If Fury is ready for war, it will be a treat for the fans; if he's not ready, it will be a short night and Fury's retirement for good.' Fury reflected on his famous victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 as the 'peak' of his career, but maintains that little has changed. Should he slip up this weekend, he accepts that it will be on him. 'Fifth time, I'm told,' Fury said of unretiring. 'It's still the same old stuff, the same old game, the game never changes, just the players change. Boxing's always been the same. The players change. It's no different really, it's just another day at the office.'