The 37-year-old had previously retired after a second consecutive points defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024, a result that briefly appeared to close the chapter on another era of his career. Yet, given his long history of stepping away and returning, few within boxing ever fully believed the exit would be permanent.
Now, once again active, attention has shifted from the comeback itself to what it actually means: what Fury still has left, whether he can reach the top again, and how he fits into a heavyweight landscape increasingly shaped by Oleksandr Usyk’s dominance.
BBC Sport spoke to WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley, two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas, analyst Steve Bunce and trainer Joe Gallagher to assess the key issues surrounding Fury’s return.
Is Makhmudov a risky opponent?
There is disagreement over whether Makhmudov represents genuine danger or a favourable stylistic match for Fury.
Wardley views it as a carefully chosen opponent, noting that while Makhmudov carries the physical presence of a powerful, aggressive heavyweight, his straight-line style may suit Fury’s defensive intelligence and movement.
Jonas stresses that at heavyweight level there is always risk, where one clean shot can change everything, but still expects Fury’s experience and ring craft to be enough to manage the threat.
Bunce takes a more cautious view, pointing to Makhmudov’s momentum and confidence, particularly after his win over Dave Allen, suggesting he is not simply a routine comeback opponent.
Gallagher acknowledges the danger inherent in all heavyweight fights but also believes stylistically the matchup favours Fury, given Makhmudov’s predictable forward pressure and lack of variation—traits that traditionally suit a skilled counter-puncher.
Can Fury become a world champion again?
The question of a third world title reign depends heavily on the structure of the division more than Fury’s ability alone.
Wardley is sceptical in the current landscape, arguing that with Usyk at the top, Fury’s route back is blocked unless he faces and defeats the Ukrainian or benefits from fragmented belts. Even then, Wardley suggests Fury would struggle against elite operators currently emerging in the division.
Jonas agrees that Usyk’s presence is the defining factor, with opportunities for others largely dependent on whether the champion vacates or is stripped of titles.
Bunce is more open to possibility, highlighting how quickly the heavyweight division can shift, and suggesting Fury remains capable of becoming champion again if belts become available through restructuring or vacancy.
Gallagher also believes it remains achievable, pointing to Fury’s two-time champion status and the likelihood of sanctioning body decisions creating opportunities, with Anthony Joshua also in the frame for a potential third reign.
Could Fury beat Usyk?
When assessing a potential third fight with Oleksandr Usyk, opinions become more definitive.
Wardley does not see a current pathway for Fury to beat Usyk and suggests attention should move toward fresh matchups for the Ukrainian instead.
Jonas would welcome a trilogy from a sporting perspective but doubts the outcome would change significantly, even if Fury worked his way back into contention.
Bunce is most emphatic, arguing that Usyk has consistently proven to be a stylistic problem for Fury and most top heavyweights, suggesting he would win the majority of hypothetical meetings between them.
Gallagher recalls how close moments in their previous fights could have changed the narrative but ultimately believes Usyk’s consistency, timing and ring control still make him the likely winner.
Is there still appetite for Fury vs Joshua?
The long-awaited clash between Fury and Anthony Joshua remains one of the most discussed fights in British boxing history, even as time continues to pass.
Wardley believes public interest would remain enormous regardless of timing, though he notes the frustration that it did not happen during both fighters’ prime years.
Jonas also believes the commercial appeal remains strong, pointing out that both men are now past their peak, which in her view at least places them on more even physical footing.
Bunce is more uncertain about the modern appetite, suggesting that Joshua’s recent struggles have changed perceptions and raised concerns about how either fighter would look at this stage.
Gallagher agrees that curiosity would still drive major interest, even if the ideal moment for the fight has long passed, with social media and global attention ensuring a major build-up.
Can elite fighters train themselves?
Fury’s repeated suggestions that he can operate with minimal or no elite coaching also come under scrutiny.
Wardley believes self-training is possible but questions whether it offers any real advantage at the highest level of the sport.
Jonas draws on personal experience, stressing the importance of external guidance, particularly when motivation dips or training becomes difficult.
Bunce points to historical examples, including Muhammad Ali and Angelo Dundee, to argue that while fighters can manage large parts of training themselves, elite corner input at key moments can be decisive.
Gallagher takes a balanced view, suggesting Fury’s boxing intelligence may allow him to handle certain opponents with limited instruction, but emphasises that a trainer’s true value emerges during crisis moments in fights when adjustments are required.
Is Fury still boxing’s biggest crossover star?
Despite time away and a changing sporting landscape, Fury’s commercial and cultural presence remains significant.
Wardley sees him as the standout crossover figure in British boxing, citing his entertainment ventures and wider media profile as evidence of his reach beyond the sport.
Jonas highlights his personality and authenticity, suggesting that his unfiltered nature makes him relatable and keeps fans engaged even when he is not active in the ring.
Bunce describes the crossover status as a close contest between Fury and Joshua, both of whom have expanded boxing’s global audience in different ways.
Gallagher leans slightly towards Fury, pointing to his global visibility, unconventional career path and activity outside traditional boxing structures as factors that still give him a marginal edge.