Heavyweight contender Arslanbek Makhmudov has thrown his weight behind Tyson Fury, predicting a straightforward victory for the “Gypsy King” in his much-anticipated showdown with Anthony Joshua. Makhmudov, who was the last man to face Fury in the ring, believes his former opponent is “100% ready” and will beat Joshua “easy now.”
His comments come as both British heavyweights prepare for warm-up bouts this summer ahead of their potential blockbuster clash later in the year.
Makhmudov’s firsthand take on Fury’s form
This immediate assessment follows Fury’s April return to boxing after a 2025 retirement, which came on the heels of consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk then cemented his status as a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. Fury managed a 12-round victory over Makhmudov, setting the stage for renewed talks with Joshua.
Arslanbek Makhmudov offered a unique perspective on Tyson Fury’s current condition, having recently shared the ring with him. Speaking to Boxing King Media, the Russian boxer described their encounter as a “hard firefight.” He conceded he “did not do enough to win” but felt he “did a good fight and gave him good punch.”
This close-up experience gives Makhmudov confidence in Fury’s ability to dispatch Anthony Joshua. He expressed no doubt, stating, “100% he can beat him.” Makhmudov’s blunt prediction that Fury would “beat him easy now” underscores his belief in the revitalised “Gypsy King.” It offers a rare peek into the formidable challenge awaiting Anthony Joshua.
Fury’s road back after Usyk defeats
Tyson Fury’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. The towering British heavyweight spent the entirety of 2025 in retirement, a period of reflection after suffering two significant back-to-back losses.
These high-profile defeats came at the hands of the formidable Oleksandr Usyk, who subsequently unified and solidified his status as a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. The hiatus was a rare moment of stillness for a fighter known for his relentless presence in the sport.
His highly anticipated return to the sport in early 2026 marked a fresh chapter for the “Gypsy King.” Fury’s first contest back in April was against Arslanbek Makhmudov, a formidable opponent who was fresh off a victory over Dave Allen. Makhmudov, who had only previously been stopped by Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello, provided a crucial litmus test for Fury’s comeback.
Significance of the Makhmudov test
Fury managed a 12-round victory over Makhmudov, emerging from the contest relatively unscathed and absorbing minimal punishment. This performance showed that despite a year away and the sting of two losses, Fury still possessed the skill and resilience at the elite level. Crucially, the fight didn’t inflict significant damage, allowing Fury to quickly turn his attention to the long-awaited super fight with Anthony Joshua.
This performance signaled his readiness to re-engage with top-tier competition, silencing some critics who questioned his return. Contract talks and logistics remain central to confirming the bout. Negotiations are still ongoing regarding the location of the much-anticipated fight, with both the UK and US being considered as potential venues.
Before that highly anticipated clash, Fury is set to take on Mariusz Wach on July 24th. This warm-up fight is scheduled to take place in Thailand, providing another opportunity for Fury to sharpen his skills. It’s a strategic move to ensure he’s in peak condition for the monumental showdown.
Anthony Joshua’s strategic rebound fights
Anthony Joshua, too, is gearing up for his own return to the ring, with a scheduled bout against Kristian Prenga. This will be Joshua’s first fight since December of last year, when he secured a notable victory over celebrity boxer Jake Paul. That win was designed to maintain his active status and build confidence for tougher challenges ahead.
The timing of his fight is particularly noteworthy, set for the night immediately after Tyson Fury’s upcoming warm-up. This creates a subtle parallel in their preparations, with both heavyweights looking to make statements. Joshua’s path back to a potential world title shot has seen him strategically rebuild momentum after his own high-profile setbacks in recent years.
Joshua’s consistent preparations for a mega-fight
His recent win against Paul aimed to keep him active and sharp ahead of a potential mega-fight that has been years in the making. Such calculated matchups are vital for a boxer looking to regain prime form and secure a lucrative future in the sport. Fans are eagerly awaiting an official announcement for the long-awaited clash with Fury.
Prenga represents a chance for Joshua to display improvements and fine-tune his approach against a professional boxer. A dominant performance could quell any lingering doubts about his form. It would also solidify his readiness to face an opponent of Tyson Fury’s calibre, adding further anticipation to the eventual clash.
The audacious claim of an “easy” victory
Arslanbek Makhmudov’s strong assertion that Tyson Fury will secure an “easy” victory over Anthony Joshua has sent ripples through the boxing community. This isn’t a casual observation; it comes from someone who recently traded punches with Fury.
Makhmudov’s direct experience forms the basis of his conviction, suggesting a level of confidence in Fury that transcends typical pre-fight banter. Such a definitive prediction could either galvanize Fury’s supporters or provide potent motivation for Joshua.
The “easy win” narrative directly contrasts with the long-held belief that a Fury-Joshua fight would be a competitive, back-and-forth epic. Many pundits and fans anticipate a closely fought contest between two of the heavyweight division’s most prominent figures. Makhmudov’s comments challenge this perception, implying a noticeable gap in current abilities between the two British giants.
This kind of declaration, especially from a fellow professional, adds a fascinating psychological dimension to the impending showdown.
Psychological warfare and public perception
Public predictions, especially those from inside the boxing fraternity, often serve a dual purpose. They can be genuine assessments or subtle forms of psychological warfare designed to influence an opponent. Makhmudov’s statement, irrespective of its intent, adds another layer to the already intense rivalry between Fury and Joshua. It forces both fighters, and their camps, to confront a narrative of dominance.
For Joshua, hearing such a confident prediction against him from a shared opponent could either fuel his determination or plant seeds of doubt. For Fury, it reinforces the perception of his current prowess and readiness. The ongoing debate around this “easy win” claim ensures the buzz for their future fight continues to grow, capturing the imagination of heavyweight boxing enthusiasts worldwide.
The broader implications for heavyweight supremacy
The potential Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua bout isn’t just another fight; it’s a monumental event that could redefine the heavyweight landscape. While Oleksandr Usyk currently holds undisputed status, the winner of Fury-Joshua would instantly become the leading contender for further unification. Arslanbek Makhmudov’s prediction, therefore, carries weight beyond mere fight odds.
It speaks to the perceived readiness and current form of one of the division’s biggest stars, especially after his year-long absence.
The history between Fury and Joshua adds significant emotional investment for fans. Their rivalry has simmered for years, marked by near-misses and failed negotiations. This potential clash isn’t just about a title or a legacy; it’s about settling old scores and proving who truly stands atop British heavyweight boxing.
Makhmudov’s comments amplify the stakes, framing the upcoming bout as a test of one fighter’s perceived overwhelming superiority.
Future of the heavyweight division
Both fighters’ upcoming tune-up bouts against Mariusz Wach and Kristian Prenga are more than just formalities. They are crucial opportunities to fine-tune strategy, shake off ring rust, and make a definitive statement.
A dominant performance from either man in these fights could lend further credence to Makhmudov’s assessment or, conversely, create new doubts about Fury’s readiness for such an “easy” win. These performances will be scrutinised intently by fans and fellow boxers alike.
The boxing world waits to see if Fury can live up to the high expectations set by his recent opponent, and if Joshua can defy them with a commanding display.
The ultimate outcome of this highly anticipated match will undoubtedly set the stage for the next era of heavyweight boxing, potentially leading to further unification bouts against the likes of Usyk. Makhmudov’s early prediction serves as an intriguing prologue to what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the sport.
