Barry Jones breaks down his ideal Tyson Fury comeback fight

“He’s stylistically made for him”

After over a year out of the ring, it won’t be long before we see Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KO’s) make his return. 

‘The Gypsy King’ last fought in 2024, hanging up his gloves after succumbing to a second consecutive defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KO’s). 

Much like their first meeting, it was a close-fought affair, but Usyk’s speed and elusiveness ultimately proved too much for the 37-year-old Brit. 

Following the defeat, Fury was adamant that he was done with the sport, though he has since made a U-turn on his previous statements and is expected to fight twice in 2026. 

A date, location, or opponent for his comeback has not yet been revealed, but his opponent's appearance in 2026 is likely to take place in April. 

Speaking on ‘The Gypsy Kings’ comeback, former featherweight world champion Barry Jones has revealed who he thinks Fury’s best return opponent would be. 

 "I think [Arslanbek] Makhmudov is stylistically made for him,” Jones told the Ringside Toe2Toe podcast.

“A big guy who can punch of course, who's dangerous. But who runs out of ideas very quickly, is quite slow and will gas out if he's missing. And Fury can make you miss.

"Even this Fury, who stands in front of you, can make you miss. Because he does box with his hands down, he gives you the opportunity. There's always that fact that he could get tagged. But I think Makhmudov is the perfect fight for him.”

Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KO’s) last fought in October, outpointing Dave Allen across twelve. He is by no means a world beater, but has risen through the heavyweight ranks thanks to a string of impressive performances. 

Assuming Fury would come through unscathed, he would then be set up for a huge bout towards the year's end.