Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov odds, preview, prediction and start time

• Fight: Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov

• Weight class: Heavyweight

• Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

• Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026

• Start time: Approx. 10pm BST (main event ring walks)

Tyson Fury steps into the ring this weekend for the first time since December 2024 and his back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, coming out of retirement once again with a point to prove. Now 37, the ‘Gypsy King’ remains one of the most gifted heavyweights of his generation, but this bout is about rebuilding momentum and showing he still belongs at the top level.

A two-time world heavyweight champion and former unified champion, Fury’s size, movement and ring IQ have long set him apart, and even in defeat he has shown he can compete with the very best. With a potential showdown against Anthony Joshua on the horizon, a convincing performance here will be key if that fight is to finally materialise. The Gypsy King's record is 34-2-1, with 24 wins by knockout.

Arslanbek Makhmudov arrives as a dangerous opponent, boasting a record of 21-2 with 19 knockouts and a reputation for heavy hitting. The Russian is at his most effective early, where his power and aggression can cause problems, with thirteen of those KOs coming in the first round. Makhmudov's last trip to England was a happy one, as he beat David Allen in Sheffield to win the WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight title. He will look to test Fury quickly after his 18-month spell away from the ring.

However, Makhmudov has shown vulnerabilities against more technical opposition, notably in defeats to Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello, and has struggled when fights are extended beyond the early rounds. If Fury settles into his rhythm and controls the distance, this becomes a fight played on his terms, where his class should comfortably separate the two as the rounds go on.

In the outright betting, Fury is the overwhelming favourite. The Gypsy King is 2/9 to beat Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night, with the Russian priced at 7/2 to cause a shock. A stoppage is seen as the most likely outcome, with Fury 4/7 to win by KO, TKO or disqualification, while Makhmudov is 11/2 to cause an almighty upset and win by knockout. There is also plenty of interest in an early finish, with Fury priced at 25/1 to win in the opening round.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "Punters are expecting Saturday night to be a walk in the park for Tyson Fury, so much so that plenty are even predicting an opening round victory."

Makhmudov’s power makes him a dangerous opponent in the early rounds, and Fury will need to be sharp from the opening bell after his time away from the ring. However, the longer this fight goes, the more it is likely to favour the Brit, whose ability to control the distance should allow him to gradually take the sting out of Makhmudov’s attacks. Once that early threat has been managed, the gap in class is expected to become clear, with Fury dictating the pace and forcing the action on his own terms.

This represents a serious step up for the Russian fighter and he could be vulnerable when dragged into deeper waters, in front of a buoyant pro-Fury crowd. After the Gypsy King has shaken off the rust, we expect him to take over through the middle rounds before forcing a stoppage, sending a clear message ahead of a potential showdown with Anthony Joshua.

Prediction: Tyson Fury to win in rounds 4-6

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.