Tyson Fury’s manager has admitted that Arslanbek Makhmudov is very much in the mix to be in the opposite corner when Fury returns later this year.
Despite that declaration, Fury will be back in action as he plots his way to a third world title against either Usyk or Fabio Wardley.
Makhmudov is well known to British fans after travelling to Sheffield last October and outpointing Dave Allen in front of a hostile crowd.
There had been doubts about Makhmudov’s durability heading into the Allen battle, but the huge puncher who has 19 stoppages from 21 wins, proved he had championship stamina after dominating Allen for large portions of their bout.
That performance has alerted those guiding Fury’s career, and Spencer Brown, Fury’s manager, has revealed that plans are now underway for his fighter’s comeback.
“There’s four or five different opponents we’re looking at [for Fury's next fight]. There’s a few that tweak our interest. We are really down the road with the contract,” said Brown when speaking to Sky Sports.
"We’ve got a bit more work on it, but we’re down the road, and an announcement is imminent. You will see Tyson back in the ring, and we’re looking and talking at various opponents at this very moment. We’re looking to get out in April."
On Makhmudov, Brown added, “I’d say he is in the top three or four, most definitely.”
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