Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov: Who has the edge heading into their fight?

The former unified heavyweight world champion clashes with Russian fighter Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday night.

Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) has not fought since losing his rematch to Usyk via unanimous decision in December 2024. Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs) was active in 2025, stopping Ricardo Brown in a first-round TKO in June followed by a unanimous decision over David Allen in October.

Will Fury reposition himself for another successful run with a win this weekend? Or will Makhmudov deliver what would be a mammoth upset? DAZN News examines who has the edge heading into this heavyweight contest.

Boxing Styles

Tyson Fury, standing 6-foot-9 with 85 inches of reach, can pepper and punish foes from the outside with the jab, also dictating the terms of the fight with other pointed blows that follow. ‘The Gypsy King’ can also get nasty on the inside when prompted, with a slippery defense that is unique to a man his size.

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Arslanbek Makhmudov will look to challenge that complex puzzle with brute force, barreling pressure and blunt power to match.

That Makhmudov has a tendency to drop his guard to chest level might be a huge problem for the Russian fighter as it would empower Fury to tee off with reach and pointed power. ‘The Gypsy King’ wins this styles clash.

Edge: Fury

Power

Nineteen of his 21 wins coming by the way of knockout shows Makhmudov has real power. But this styles matchup might tilt the power needle slightly in Fury’s favor due to his reach and ability to pick away at opponents with piercing shots.

That and Makhmudov can be hit cleanly while pressuring his way inside, his aforementioned loose guard not helping his cause.

All that might not bode well for the Russian fighter even in a category where he should have Fury beat soundly.

Edge: Fury

Mental Warfare

Fury has fought superior competition ranging from Oleksandr Usyk twice to a trilogy with Deontay Wilder, Derek Chisora twice, Dillian Whyte and Wladimir Klitschko. Priceless experience comes with those rounds.

Skilled heavyweights, who can box and are potent punchers, tend to give Makhmudov problems. Both Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello demonstrated this, handing the Russian TKO defeats.

The edge resides with Fury here, though ‘The Gypsy King’ might need to overcome a battle of ring rust as he has not fought since December 2024.

Edge: Fury

Who has the edge in Fury vs. Makhmudov?

If Fury is not up to the task of steamrolling through Makhmudov in any way, it could lead to problems. That, or if conditioning and ring rust are indeed issues. Otherwise, Fury has too many skills and complexities to throw at an outmatched Makhmudov, with DAZN News giving the former champ the 3-0 edge.

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