Arslanbek Makhmudov swept Tyson Fury off his feet in a bear hug when the two faced off at their final press conference on Thursday.
Fury took it in good spirits, he’d bellowed at Makhmudov and tickled him before his opponent boosted him up in the air.
Fury is determined to begin a charge to becoming a three-time world champion this weekend when he fights Makhmudov.
He has come out of a brief retirement, by no means his first, to box for the first time since losing his second fight to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.
For him, this is the first stage of his mission to reclaim a world title.
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Tyson Fury looks ahead to his huge showdown with Arslanbek Makhmudov this weekend and responds to rumours that the huge showdown with Anthony Joshua has been agreed.
Fury declared: “For the first time in forever I’m the hunter not the hunted.
“I’m the top man in this division,” he added. “I’m going to prove it again and again and again.”
Usyk and Fabio Wardley hold the four major world titles between them, the “so called alphabetical world champions” as Fury called them. Eventually he will target those belts.
“Sooner or later they’ll all have to fight me,” the former champion said. “Who are they going to fight to make any money?”
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Dillian Whyte says that Arslanbek Makhmudov could prove to be a very dangerous opponent for Tyson Fury when the former world champion makes his comeback on April 11.
At 37 years old and after a period of time out of the sport, Fury will have to defy those who doubt his ability to make a comeback, which include his own father.
“They all say my legs are gone, they all say my reactions are gone,” Fury roared. “Tune in Saturday night and you’ll find out.
“Speedy, skillful, handsome and destructive… I’ve never lost my speed or my reactions
“Still got it,” he continued. “I must have done 500 rounds of sparring and I’ve still got it.
“Let’s hope I do a lot better than Tottenham are doing right now,” Fury added. “Because they’re shocking at the minute.”
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A look at some times boxers seemed to slow down time in a fight and make their opponent miss with everything.
He cautioned that he can’t take Makhmudov lightly. “All those other [fighters] can wait their turn to get a hiding,” Fury said. “Give this man his respect.
“He’s a quick starter, he’s had 17 knockouts in the first couple of rounds.
“I’ve never overlooked anybody in my life and I’ve definitely not overlooked this beast.”
Admittedly Fury’s confidence in himself was undimmed. “I feel sorry for Aslanbek Makhmudov,” he said. “I’m going to make an example of him.
“I’ll knock his head right off his two shoulders.
“I’m ready to rock and roll.”
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