Boxing Odds, Prediction: Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov

Jordan Ramsay
April 9, 2026

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury steps back into the ring on Saturday in London as he prepares to face Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It’s been almost three years since Fury’s last win and he’s looking to get back on track after losing back-to-back heavyweight title fights against current undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Makhmudov, who is from Russia but fights out of Montreal, Quebec, is looking to string together a third straight win after last fighting in October.

The event will be streamed on Netflix starting at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday. Fury is a -500 favourite to win on the boxing odds, while Makhmudov is a +333 underdog.

Tyson Fury

This will be Fury’s (34-2-1, 24 KOs) first fight since dropping a second straight decision to Usyk in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in December 2024. “The Gypsy King’s” career speaks for itself as a former multiple heavyweight champion, but there are seriously question on whether the 37-year-old can serious contend again.

At his best, Fury is a massive body at 6 feet two inches with an 85-inch reach, who is nimble enough to be an elusive tactician. At his worst, he’s a fighter who plays down to his competition which has caused him trouble against inferior opponents like Deontay Wilder and Francis Ngannou.

However, this fight shapes up better for Fury as Makhmudov doesn’t have Wilder’s power or Ngannou’s skill. Ironically, despite having a frame as large as Fury has, it’s his endurance that should actually give him the edge in this fight.

Fury’s best strategy is to pick his shots and go for the kill in the championship rounds after Makhmudov has emptied his gas tank.

Arslanbek Makhmudov

Although clearly not as well-know of name, Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs) shouldn’t be overlooked. The 36-year-old ended an ugly 1-2 stretch with two straight victories and he’s won multiple titles in multiple international promotions over the last several years.

Known for his power and aggression, Makhmudov has a 76-inch reach, so he’ll need to get creative to get around a nine-inch reach disadvantage. “The Lion” has made a living off smashing his opponents from the start, with 13 of 19 career knockouts coming in the first round.

An early knockout isn’t a great strategy against a fighter of Fury’s stature, but unfortunately for Makhmudov, it’s likely his only chance. Makhmudov doesn’t really have a second gear and he never takes his foot off the gas, so he’ll likely burn out if this fight reaches the championship rounds.

I expect Makhmudov to rely on what got him here, and that’s a heavy, aggressive, attack from the start.