When is Fury vs Makhmudov? Date, Start Time, Undercard, and How to Watch

The heavyweight landscape is about to feel a familiar tremor. Tyson Fury, the charismatic and controversial “Gypsy King,” is lacing up the gloves once more. For the fifth time in his storied career, Fury emerges from retirement, but this return carries a different weight. No longer the undefeated titan, he is a former champion on a mission for redemption. Standing directly in his path is a dangerous and motivated force: Russia’s heavy-handed Arslanbek Makhmudov. This clash in London is not just a comeback fight; it’s a critical juncture that will define the final chapter of Fury’s legacy and shake the foundations of the division’s future.

The Stakes: A King’s Redemption and a Destroyer’s Dream

For Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs), this fight is about exorcising demons. The last image fans have of him is a subdued, outpointed figure against the technical brilliance of Oleksandr Usyk in their December 2024 rematch. Those back-to-back losses to the Ukrainian unified champion, the first defeats of Fury’s professional life, stripped him of his aura of invincibility. At 37, the questions are louder than ever: Has the legendary mobility and ring IQ diminished? Does the fire still burn after securing vast wealth and legacy-defining wins?

Fury insists the hunger remains, primarily for a trilogy bout with Usyk. But to get there, he must navigate a perilous trap. Arslanbek Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs), known as “The Lion,” is no tune-up. The 34-year-old Russian is a physically imposing, concussive puncher with a 90% knockout ratio. His two losses came against elite, technical operators in Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel, but his power makes him a perpetual threat. For Makhmudov, this is a career-defining opportunity to instantly catapult himself into the title conversation by slaying the most famous heavyweight of this era.

Fury vs Makhmudov: Full Fight Details

Mark your calendars for a major night of boxing in the UK capital.

Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025

Location: O2 Arena, London, England

Main Event Ringwalks (Approx.): 10:30 PM GMT / 5:30 PM ET

Please note: These timings are estimates. The main event walkouts will begin after the conclusion of the undercard bouts. Fans should tune in to the main broadcast early to catch all the action.

How to Watch: Global Broadcast Information

This pay-per-view event will be available across multiple platforms worldwide.

• United Kingdom & Ireland: The event will be broadcast live on BT Sport Box Office. Pricing and ordering information will be available through BT Sport’s website and providers.
• United States: ESPN+ PPV will carry the fight live stateside.
• Canada: Viewers can expect the event to be available via traditional cable PPV providers and potentially through streaming service DAZN, depending on regional rights.
• International: A full list of global broadcast partners will be announced closer to the event. Check local listings for confirmation.

Stacked Undercard: Benn Returns in Co-Main Event Spotlight

The main event is supported by a compelling undercard, headlined by another British star at a career crossroads.

Conor Benn vs. Regis Prograis (Welterweight) – In the co-main event, Conor Benn steps into the ring for the first time since his seismic decision to leave promoter Eddie Hearn. Benn’s career is defined by resilience. After avenging his sole loss to Chris Eubank Jr in a dramatic November 2024 rematch, he now faces a different kind of test. Regis Prograis, the former super-lightweight world champion, moves up in weight seeking a statement win. This is a dangerous stylistic clash: Benn’s aggressive, heavy-handed approach versus Prograis’s seasoned, slick boxing IQ. The winner positions themselves for a welterweight world title shot.

Additional Confirmed Undercard Fights:

• Caroline Dubois vs. TBA (Lightweight) – The rising star and world title contender looks to stay active.
• Moses Itauma vs. TBA (Heavyweight) – The prodigiously talented young heavyweight continues his development.
• Nick Ball vs. TBA (Featherweight) – The always-exciting Ball returns after his world title campaign.

Expert Analysis & Prediction: Can Fury Weather the Storm?

This fight presents a classic “Boxer vs. Puncher” dynamic, but with fascinating wrinkles. Fury’s key advantages are his unorthodox movement, significant size and reach, and unparalleled ring generalship. If the Fury of old shows up—the one who deftly avoided Deontay Wilder’s right hand for years—he can make Makhmudov miss and pay, picking him apart with sharp jabs and awkward angles. The psychological battle is also crucial; Fury’s pre-fight mind games could unsettle the Russian.

However, Makhmudov’s path to victory is clear and brutal: corner Fury and unleash his devastating power, particularly to the body. The questions surrounding Fury’s durability post-Usyk, his age, and potential ring rust are real. Makhmudov is the type of fighter who can exploit even a 2% decline.

Prediction: The early rounds may be tense, with Makhmudov pressing forward and Fury working to establish distance and rhythm. Fury’s experience in big fights will be the deciding factor. Expect him to use his clinch work, footwork, and jab to gradually frustrate Makhmudov, piling up points. Makhmudov will have moments, perhaps even rocking Fury, but the “Gypsy King’s” savvy will see him through. Tyson Fury by unanimous decision in a harder-than-expected fight that reminds the world of his unique talents, but also signals his vulnerability.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for the Winner?

The ramifications of this fight are immense. A convincing Fury win sets the stage for the blockbuster trilogy with Oleksandr Usyk, a fight the boxing world still craves. It would also potentially derail the planned ascent of new contenders like Anthony Joshua, who would be watching closely.

A Makhmudov victory would be a cataclysmic upset, instantly making him a mandatory challenger and throwing the entire top 10 into chaos. It would likely force a rematch clause, but more importantly, it would mark the definitive end of the Tyson Fury era.

Conclusion: A Crossroads Clash in London

March 22nd at the O2 Arena is more than just a date on the boxing calendar. It is a narrative-rich collision between a fallen king seeking to reclaim his throne and a hungry lion looking to feast on the crown. Tyson Fury’s legacy and future ambitions are on the line against the concussive power of Arslanbek Makhmudov. With the added intrigue of Conor Benn’s high-stakes return, this event promises drama, power punches, and potentially, a seismic shift in the heavyweight hierarchy. Tune in, because in boxing, the road to redemption—or ruin—is paved with leather.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.