Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov

When Arslanbek Makhmudov came to the UK to defeat Dave Allen at the Sheffield Arena six months ago, he impressed with certain attributes that his two career defeats suggested he didn’t have, the first was stamina carrying into the second half of a 12-round fight, and the other was the intestinal fortitude to get through tough periods. Allen, whilst well outpointed, took the big Russian the full 12-rounds, and badly hurt him as well. That Makhmudov came through in the way he did suggests he has added stamina and heart to his make-up. Of course, now he faces a man who, two years ago, we considered one of the all-time great heavyweights: Tyson Fury. It’s quite shocking, really, when you consider that this all-time great went on to lose two close decisions to Oleksandr Usyk and has somehow been demoted to a mere mortal. Boxing fans are fickle. It wasn’t that long ago when he went through that epic first fight with Deontay Wilder and then systematically destroyed the Alabama man in their next two meetings, producing one of the greatest heavyweight trilogies of all time. As I stated earlier, we considered him one of the greatest heavyweights ever. Fifteen months out of the ring may have blunted the edges, but I believe that, at 37, Fury will come back with much to prove. Makhmudov, whilst a dangerous opponent, will play perfectly into Fury’s hands. I believe Fury will outbox the big Russian from the outside for as many rounds as it takes to draw the sting out of him. I believe he will pick up the pace in the second half of the fight, looking for the spectacular finish, which I expect to happen around the tenth round.