TYSON FURY says he feels SORRY for his comeback opponent Arslanbek Makhmudov.
The 6ft 6in Russian – who wrestles BEARS and has drawn comparisons to a James Bond villain – faces Fury on April 11 live on Netflix.
Fury is already producing the ultimate smack talk ahead of the clash and even compared the bear wrestler to a “lamb to the slaughter”.
He said on his Instagram story: “I’ve got to say it, I feel absolutely sorry for anybody that’s got to fight me this year.
“You’re all in trouble. Poor old Arslanbek, he’s up next. He’s the first lamb to the slaughter. I feel sorry for him.
“He’s getting it, Makhmudov! You’re in trouble, big trouble and if you’re looking for trouble you’ve come to the right place.
“If you’re looking for trouble it’s right in my face. You’re in some trouble big boy.
“I won’t be able to miss you and you won’t be able to hit me, even if you had a handful of rice.
“Someone’s going down, timberrrr!”
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Fury is returning for the first time since retiring in January 2025 and has been in Thailand preparing for his latest comeback.
Meanwhile frightening-looking Makhmudov – who is based in Canada – has shown off his altitude training – 3,000 metres above ground level.
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There’s a massive year of boxing ahead!
It’s shaping up to be a blockbuster year of action inside the boxing ring.
Tyson Fury will make his return in April against Arslanbek Makhmudov, Conor Benn is closing in on a world title shot and Fabio Wardley will defend his newly won heavyweight crown.
Canelo Alvarez will be hoping to return after his defeat to Terence Crawford and heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk will also need to defend his straps.
Derek Chisora will fight for the 50th and (perhaps) final time against Deontay Wilder, while Daniel Dubois is also on the comeback trail.
A whole bunch of British stars could also take a leap into superstardom, with the likes of Moses Itauma, Hamzah Sheeraz and Adam Azim ready to join the very top of the sport.
Here’s all the big fights coming up…
February
- Sat 7 – Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa – WBA featherweight title – DAZN
- Sat 21 – Ryan Garcia vs Mario Barrios – WBC welterweight title – DAZN PPV
- Sat 21 – Leigh Wood vs Josh Warrington – DAZN
- Sun 22 – Claressa Shields vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn – heavyweight unification – DAZN
- Sat 28 – Emanuel Navarrete vs Eduardo Nunez – super-featherweight unification – DAZN
March
- Sat 14 – Jazza Dickens vs Anthony Cacace – WBA super-featherweight title – DAZN
- Sat 28 – Moses Itauma vs Jermaine Franklin – DAZN
- Sat 28 – Sebastian Fundora vs Keith Thurman – Amazon Prime PPV
April
- Sat 4 – Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder – DAZN PPV
- Sat 11 – Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov – Netflix
Athletes train at high altitudes to force their bodies to adapt to less oxygen – improving endurance and performance when they return to sea level.
Fury, 37, has documented his camp leading up to his return to the ring, including massages and being hosed down in his underpants.
Makhmudov made himself known to British fans by beating Dave Allen, 33, on points in October.
But he has been defeated twice before, stopped by Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello to prove that, despite his menacing looks, he is beatable.
Fury hung up his gloves after two losses to Oleksandr Usyk, 39, in 2024 and spent the whole of last year filming the newest series of his Netflix show.
And after two successful seasons of At home with the Furys, the streaming platform have snapped up the Gypsy King as they continue their splash into live boxing.
