Tyson Fury, the charismatic former world champion, has formally ended his retirement and has arranged a high-profile comeback bout against Arslanbek Makhmudov for April 11, 2026 – which will be streamed live on Netflix rather than pay-per-view.

Fury’s return adds one of the most intriguing prospective chapters to a career already marked by spectacular highs and lows, having left the sport in early 2025 following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk. 

A Return Years in the Making

Tyson Fury, also known as The Gypsy King, announced his retirement in early 2025 after suffering his second straight defeat to Usyk in late 2024, a fight that crowned Usyk the undisputed heavyweight champion and prompted Fury to retire from active combat.

However, talk and hints of a comeback quickly spread, spurred by Fury’s continuing training and constant presence in media, including Netflix productions like At Home With The Furys. Eventually, that suspicion was confirmed: Fury will put on his gloves once more to headline a live event exclusively televised on Netflix.

The fight is set to take place in the United Kingdom, with the exact venue yet to be announced. The April 11 bout marks Fury’s first return to the ring after a 17-month absence and follows signs of renewed focus and training from the 37-year-old fighter. 

The Netflix Factor: A New Era of Boxing Broadcasts

This fight won’t just be a comeback — it’s also part of Netflix’s expanding push into live sports broadcasting. The streaming giant has increasingly invested in boxing, adding to its lineup of major events, and Fury’s return serves as a marquee moment for the platform.

This transition from a traditional pay-per-view model to a streaming powerhouse demonstrates how boxing’s biggest performers are adopting new ways to engage with worldwide audiences. Fury’s personality and story have long transcended the sport, and Netflix provides an ideal platform for his return.

Meet the Opponent: Arslanbek Makhmudov

Fury’s selected opponent is Arslanbek Makhmudov, a 36-year-old heavyweight contender now residing in Canada. Makhmudov, known for his devastating striking power, has an amazing professional record and has established himself as a dangerous opponent capable of terminating fights quickly.

With 21 wins and 19 knockouts, Makhmudov’s strong hands and intimidating bulk make him a legitimate challenge for Fury, especially given that his only losses have come against superior opposition in the past.

Makhmudov’s most recent important outing, in 2025, was a dominant display against British heavyweight Dave Allen, demonstrating that he can rise to the occasion even away from home.

While some detractors have questioned Makhmudov’s consistency, citing previous losses to fighters such as Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello, there’s no denying his power and capacity to disrupt Fury’s comeback story. 

What This Means for Fury’s Legacy

For Tyson Fury, this fight is about more than just winning; it is about regaining momentum in a sport where he has alternated between peaks and unforeseen twists. Fury has only lost twice in his professional career, both against Usyk, leaving fans wondering if a new direction is on the way.

A victory over Makhmudov may rekindle Fury’s road to bigger fights later in 2026, potentially leading to a world title chance or even a future confrontation with other elite heavyweights like Fabio Wardley or a revived Anthony Joshua.

Moreover, returning on Netflix gives Fury access to a massive global audience — transforming his comeback from a standard boxing match into a cultural event that draws in casual fans and die-hard boxing enthusiasts alike. 

Final Thoughts: The Ace Is Back

As the boxing world prepares for April, excitement grows for one of the most remarkable comeback fights in recent memory. Tyson Fury’s combination of skill, personality, and star power, along with a formidable opponent in Makhmudov and Netflix’s reach, elevates this bout to a higher level. This is a statement.

Fans of heavyweight boxing can’t wait on April 11 because The Gypsy King is returning to the ring, and this time, he’s bringing the entire globe with him.