Fury wins on return

Tyson Fury returned to the ring on Saturday and beat Arslanbek Makhmudov by unanimous decision in a 12-round heavyweight fight in London. (sports.yahoo.com) The fight took place on April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and streamed globally on Netflix. Two judges scored it 120-108, and the third had it 119-109 for Fury. (tottenhamhotspurstadium.com) (boxingnewsonline.net) ESPN reported that Fury was fighting for the first time in 16 months. Yahoo Sports described the bout as a near shutout after Fury took control over the second half of the contest. (espn.com) (sports.yahoo.com) The win puts Fury back in the heavyweight picture after consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, which had driven talk of retirement through 2025. ESPN and Yahoo both reported that Fury used the post-fight moment to call for a bout with Anthony Joshua, who was at ringside. (espn.com) (sports.yahoo.com) Makhmudov entered as a dangerous puncher with 19 knockouts in 21 wins, but his recent record already included stoppage losses to Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium’s event page listed him at 21-2 before Saturday, and CBS Sports noted the knockout-heavy résumé that made him a comeback test for Fury. (tottenhamhotspurstadium.com) (cbssports.com) The card also featured Conor Benn beating Regis Prograis by unanimous decision in a 10-round, 150-pound catchweight co-main event. Yahoo Sports reported all three judges scored that fight 98-92. (sports.yahoo.com) For Fury, the immediate result was simpler than the buildup: 12 rounds completed, three cards won, and a comeback that moved him from inactivity back into the center of the division. (mmajunkie.usatoday.com)