Fury: My goal is to win and then eat my Easter eggs

Tyson Fury has admitted he took his long unbeaten streak for granted, as he appeared lean and focused ahead of Saturday's clash with Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 37-year-old Briton—who is returning to the ring after two consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024—weighed in at 122 kg (269 lbs), about 1.3 kg (3 lbs) heavier than his Russian opponent.

Fury briefly retired following the first losses of his career but has declared his ambition to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.

"Whoever's got the belts—I want them back. I was undefeated for 17 years and I took it for granted," he said. "I've had two losses on the bounce, and now I'm not the hunted, I'm the hunter. It's a great feeling to be hungry again.

I want to make a statement, that's why I'm lighter and in shape."

Fury, who famously engaged in an 11-minute stare-down with Usyk 16 months ago, exchanged only a brief 7-second glance with Makhmudov this time. He has been in high spirits all week—interacting with fans, joking with the media, and making his entrance to Eminem's "Without Me."

The topic of weight was once again in focus. In his 2024 rematch with Usyk, he hit a career-high 127 kg (280 lbs) (albeit fully clothed), and during his hiatus between 2016 and 2018, he ballooned to around 178 kg (392 lbs). Fury, who trained in Pattaya, Thailand, now weighs the same as he did for his last UK fight in 2022, when he defeated Derek Chisora.

"This is a good, comfortable weight for Fury," said analyst Steve Bunce.

"He looks like a man who has been training for a long time in the heat."

Makhmudov, however, is also physically impressive. Standing at 196 cm (6'5"), he boasts 21 wins in 23 fights, 19 by knockout, and comes with a reputation as a heavy-hitter.

His last victory was against Dave Allen in October 2025.

"I'm ready. I've been waiting a long time for this moment. This is my dream," he said.

Fury has never had the typically chiselled physique of a boxer, but he compensates with movement, reflexes, and boxing intelligence. The question now is whether age and the accumulated battles will take their toll.

His career includes a gruelling trilogy with Deontay Wilder, a knockdown against Francis Ngannou, and tough fights with Otto Wallin and Usyk.