TYSON FURY could face 6ft 6in heavyweight Arslanbe Makhmudov in his return to the ring.
The Gypsy King has confirmed he will come out of retirement in 2026 after more than a year out of the ring.
And he is expected to take a warm-up bout before fighting for the heavyweight world title or a big name in the division.
Makhmudov – who fans have likened to a James Bond villain – is among the names touted to welcome Fury back.
Promoter Frank Warren was probed on the matchup and told Box Nation: “He’s a very intelligent guy. He knows what he wants to do and how to get there.
“Of course there’s a discussion over opponents and so forth, but he’s not stupid… he knows what he’s got to do.
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“Maybe, we may do that [Makhmudov fight].”
Fury, 37, retired in January of last year off the back of consecutive points losses to Oleksandr Usyk, 38.
But he is now back in training for a comeback fight this year – claiming to be motivated only for his passion for dishing out pain.
Fury said in an Instagram video: “I’ve won literally everything from regional belts in England to super world titles. Fighter of The Year twice, Ring Magazine twice.
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“WBC, every one of them. Every world title belt there is but for me there’s nothing else other than the fight game. I love this fight game.
“It’s not for financial gain, I could’ve retired ten years ago, made an absolute fortune.
“There’s no amount of money although I always want a good deal, for sure. It’s mainly about the love of the fight game and the sport.
“I’m 37, 38 this year, I’m old as a motherf***er but I love to fight. I have zero other interests, only fighting.
“I was born and raised to fight. My destiny lies within the fight game.”
