Preparations are underway for Tyson Fury's comeback after the former WBC heavyweight champion announced his return after a year's retirement.
Following two successive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, it looked like Fury's boxing career was over, but 'The Gypsy King' is training again in Thailand as he prepares for another crack at the heavyweight division.
He is eager to face Usyk for a third time, but before he steps into the ring with the Ukrainian, he will need at least one warm-up fight to shake off any ring rust.
A number of names have been floating around when it comes to who Fury could face next, and his manager Spencer Brown has confirmed that the giant Arslanbek Makhmudov is in the running.
Makhmudov last fought in October when he beat Dave Allen in his Sheffield homecoming, and he will be looking to do the same for Fury's comeback.
"There are a few options in there, he’s got to have a fight back, he’s not been in the ring for a year," Brown told Pro Boxing Fans before revealing Makhmudov as a possible opponent.
"Makhmudov won his last fight, you can say what you like but he’s a big six-foot, four killer. He’s like a bear.
"Could it be Makhmudov? Yeah, but there are others in the running as well."
In what would be his first fight in over a year, Fury was never going to face an opponent who would pose a serious threat.
While Makhmudov should not be taken lightly, his style is perfect for a Fury looking to shake off some rust and get back into the groove.
Makhmudov only has one style, and that's to march forward. This will play into Fury's hands who will dance around him with slick feet and landing punches at will.
In his fight with Allen, Makhmudov struggled with tiredness as the contest progressed and if he suffers something similar against Fury, 'The Gypsy King' will step on the gas and look to put Makhmudov away before the final bell.
At six-foot, and five inches, Makhmudov is an imposing foe, but with someone of Fury's boxing ability, he has the tools to make it an easy night's work and get his comeback off to a flying start before pursuing the heavyweight division's big names.
January starts with a heavyweight bang as Agit Kabayel takes the next steps towards a world title shot as he face Damian Knyba this Saturday, January 10, exclusively on DAZN Watch with a subscription, monthly and annual options available.