The biggest surprise isn’t Fury coming back – we’ve almost lost count of how many times he’s retired and returned – but that it’s landing on Netflix, with a global subscriber base of 325 million people.
It underlines Fury’s status as one of boxing’s few genuine crossover stars. Love him or loathe him, Fury is box office, a fighter who attracts attention well beyond the sport.
It is also striking given Fury is promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, who broadcast exclusively with Dazn. Yet Warren has allowed the Gypsy King to step outside that arrangement on this occasion.
“Tyson wants to return to the throne and I’m 100% behind him to do just that,” Warren posted on X.
This marks Fury’s first bout in the UK since December 2022, after three straight appearances in Saudi Arabia.
The number of shows taking place in Riyadh may be dwindling but the money and influence behind the sport remain Saudi-led. The fight is backed by Turki Alalshikh – chairman of Saudi’s General Sports Authority – under the Ring Magazine banner.
Fans wanted a bigger-name opponent. Makhmudov is a dangerous, imposing threat, and Fury can’t afford complacency, but anything close to his Usyk performances should be enough for a comfortable win.
So what next, should he come through? The pursuit of the long-awaited Anthony Joshua fight, which was expected to happen in 2026, has understandably cooled after Joshua’s tragic car crash in December.
Until Joshua’s next steps are clearer, Fury’s focus is back on world titles, with early talk of a possible move towards WBO champion Fabio Wardley later this year.
