Fury Beats Usyk Twice, Sets Joshua Showdown
Tyson Fury lost both fights with Oleksandr Usyk, then returned to the ring with a decision win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April 2026. Fury’s next bout is scheduled to be against Anthony Joshua on December 11 in Cardiff, Wales. The story that began as a preview of a possible Usyk comeback has since become a wider look at Fury’s two defeats, return, and next major test.
Usyk won the rematch
Fury entered the December 21, 2024 rematch hoping to reclaim the heavyweight titles he had lost in their first meeting. Usyk again won on the scorecards, this time by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 116–112. Fury’s first professional loss in May 2024 was followed by a second defeat, leaving Usyk with the stronger claim in their rivalry.
A controlled return against Makhmudov
After an extended break, Fury returned on April 11, 2026, to face Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Makhmudov started aggressively, but Fury used his jab and movement to take control and win a unanimous decision. The judges’ scores were 120–108 twice and 119–109.
The Joshua fight is next
Fury called for a fight with fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua after beating Makhmudov. The matchup has been scheduled for December 11, 2026, at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, with Netflix set to carry the event. It would be the first professional meeting between the two former heavyweight champions.
A different measure of Fury’s form
The Makhmudov win showed Fury could still box effectively over 12 rounds, while his two losses to Usyk remain the clearest evidence of how difficult the Ukrainian champion was for him to solve. The Joshua bout offers a fresh test against a familiar British rival; its result will shape the next chapter of Fury’s career.
Sources:
[1] Usyk–Fury rematch result
[2] Fury’s Makhmudov comeback and Joshua challenge
[3] Fury–Joshua date and venue announcement
Sources
Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
