Story byJack RathbornMon, February 16, 2026 at 8:45 PM UTC·4 min readTyson Fury will battle Arslanbek Makhmudov in his comeback fight following a brief period in retirement. After the huge announcement last month, the giant Russian is preparing for another big fight on British soil, having emerged as an ideal opponent for Fury due to the threat posed by his size and a certain familiarity with the British audience. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat’s after Makhmudov took on Dave Allen last year in a Sheffield homecoming for the popular British heavyweight. And the 36-year-old Russian outboxed the ‘White Rhino’, elevating his stature in the division. While a fight with a former two-time world champion appeared unlikely at the time, Fury’s team has selected him for the 11 April showdown. So how good is Makhmudov, what does he bring to the ring and can he pull off the upset?Tale of the tapeMakhmudov is between 6ft 6in or 6ft 7in and last time weighed in at a problematic total of almost 19st (261 lbs).“He looks like he could eat a galloping horse,” remarked Independent columnist Steve Bunce. There has also been footage of the enormous boxer wrestling bears for fun, bringing parallels with UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is thought to have done similar during his childhood. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHis points win over Allen last October came after weathering a storm from the Sheffield man, with a savvy choice to hold in rounds seven and 12 costing him a point.