Tyson Fury believes Anthony Joshua should consider facing Arslanbek Makhmudov as a preparatory step before their long-awaited clash, describing the matchup as a “50/50” contest.
Fury returns to action this weekend in London against Makhmudov, his first fight since back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024. At 37, he is aiming to reinsert himself into the heavyweight picture, with a victory expected to move him closer to a lucrative showdown with Joshua.
Looking ahead, Fury pointed to Makhmudov as an ideal opponent for his British rival. “I think that Makhmudov and Joshua would be a good fight, it’d be a 50/50 fight, honestly,” he said. “They are both big lumps, big bangers… he is perfect for a warm-up for ‘AJ’.”
Joshua, who last fought Jake Paul in December, is expected to return to the ring once more before pursuing a fight with Fury. Fury’s comments suggest that a bout with Makhmudov could serve as a proper test ahead of that potential blockbuster.
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