Light & lean Fury happy to be ‘young fresh hunter’ again

Tyson Fury, the British heavyweight, has maintained a 34-2-1 professional record since his 2008 debut. Ahead of Saturday’s match against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fury appeared lean and sharp during the weigh-in. At 37, he returned to the ring after consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, stepping on the scale at 19st 2lb (122kg)—three pounds more than his Russian opponent.

Fury’s comeback and training focus

Fury briefly stepped away from boxing following his first career defeats to Usyk in Saudi Arabia, but remains determined to secure a third world title. “Whoever holds the belts, I want to reclaim them,” he remarked at Friday’s weigh-in in London. “I was undefeated for 17 years and took it for granted. Now I’m the hunter, not the hunted. It feels great to be the young, fresh hunter again.”

“I want to make a statement, so I’ve come in light and lean,” Fury added.

Fury’s physique has long defied traditional expectations of a heavyweight boxer. Despite never appearing particularly sculpted, he relies on agility and strategic prowess to outmaneuver rivals. His training camp in Pattaya, Thailand, has seen him maintain a weight similar to his last fight in the UK against Derek Chisora in December 2022. BBC Radio 5 Live analyst Steve Bunce praised Fury’s condition, noting, “He looks like someone who’s been training in the heat for ages. He’s shed some weight but built it up steadily after his time away.”

Makhmudov’s challenge

Arslanbek Makhmudov, known as ‘The Lion,’ arrives in London with a 21-2-1 record, including 19 knockouts. The Canadian-based fighter, who last defeated Dave Allen in October 2025, is a formidable opponent. Fury’s wife, Paris, and family watched from the front row as he prepared for the bout.

“I’m ready to go. I can’t wait for tomorrow night to make my dream happen,” Makhmudov said.

The fight marks a pivotal moment in Fury’s career. While his age and past inactivity raise questions about his peak form, he insists he’s still in top shape. “Father Time waits for no one, but I’ve got a bit left in the tank,” he stated. “My priority is to beat this guy and enjoy the Easter eggs I’ve stored.”