Tyson Fury completed his return to professional boxing on Saturday night with a unanimous decision victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, before launching a direct verbal challenge to long-time rival Anthony Joshua.
Fury, who had spent 16 months in retirement following consecutive losses to reigning world champion Oleksandr Usyk, selected the durable but predictable Makhmudov as his comeback opponent. The bout, Fury’s first on British soil since 2022, saw the former champion control the action from outset to finale, earning a victory on all three scorecards.
Prior to the first bell, Fury delivered an emotional tribute to his close friend Ricky Hatton, the legendary British boxer who passed away last year. The Mancunian entered the arena to Hatton’s signature track, Blue Moon, and wore specially commissioned shorts modelled on those famously worn by the late icon.
No sooner had the official decision been announced than Fury turned his attention to Joshua, who had watched the fight intently from ringside.
Addressing the capacity crowd in his characteristic booming voice, Fury declared: “Next, I want to give you the fight you have all been waiting for.”
He then directed his words downward toward his rival: “I want you, Anthony Joshua. Let us give the fight fans what they want, the Battle of Britain. I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me, the Gypsy King, next. Do you accept my challenge?”
Joshua, who has been linked with a prospective all-British showdown against Fury for several years, did not hesitate in his response.
“Tyson, you are a clout-chaser,” Joshua said, speaking from his ringside position. “I have never had any problem getting in a ring with you. I punched you up as kids [when we sparred]. Watching you tonight, I will punch you up again.”
He continued: “With all due respect, tonight is your night. But you will not tell me what to do. I have been chasing you for the last ten years. When you are ready, you come and see me and tell me your terms and conditions.
“I am the boss. You work for me. I am the landlord. You work for me.”