Did we really believe that Tyson Fury was going to stay in retirement?

Fury says his decision to hang up the gloves for a fifth time was motivated by being "sick of boxing" but he was ultimately drawn back in by his love of pugilism.

Kal joining Tyson Fury in throwing shade at Tottenham's poor Premier League season.

Spurs can't catch a break at this point.

Kal Sajad
BBC Sport at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is one of the best in the country, though with Spurs currently sitting in the relegation zone, it could be a world-class Championship stadium by next season. Another conversation for another day, perhaps.

Ticket sales have been the talk of the town. Yesterday, plenty of "blue dots" were still available on the map, but they've vanished today. Those ringside seats - well, six rows back - which were retailing for just shy of £2000 this morning, have mostly gone. There were some of the cheaper tickets in the top tiers at £43.65 still available.

How many were 'comps' to ensure the Netflix cameras see a sea of heads? We'll never know. But organisers insist we're heading for a full house of 60,000 to 70,000 later tonight.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Fabio Wardley: "A very well-picked opponent for a number of reasons. He looks and sounds the part - a strong, aggressive and powerful Russian - but stylistically he's kind of perfect for Fury."

Natasha Jonas: "Every fight at heavyweight is a tough fight. It only takes one shot. But you would expect someone of Tyson's class and experience to be able to handle him."

Steve Bunce: "Makhmudov is a really risky opponent for Fury because Makhmudov has something that all heavyweights want. After that win over Dave Allen, he has momentum."

Joe Gallagher: "All heavyweight opponents are dangerous. Stylistically, though, I think he's made for Fury. He comes in straight lines and Fury's boxing brain and ability should be too much."

Image source, Getty Images

We've been talking about seeing Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in a ring together for the best part of a decade and we might finally get to see the British rivals meet in 2026.

"If it happens, great, if it doesn't happen, also great," Fury told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I've got Arslanbek Makhmudov to think of on Saturday night, but all going well [Joshua is] the fight I want next."

A bout between the pair was reportedly in the works following that victory, but plans were halted after Joshua was involved in a car crash in Nigeria late last year which claimed the lives of two of his close friends.

"I know he just had his fight with Jake Paul, whatever... a fight's a fight really," Fury said. "So yeah, I'll be ready for that straight away after this."

Kal Sajad
BBC Sport at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

So, which Tyson Fury are we getting tonight? Is it the masterclass boxer who danced around Wladimir Klitschko back in 2015? Or the Kronk-style destroyer who bullied Deontay Wilder?

He’s reinvented himself so many times but he’s had his shaky moments too. Otto Wallin gave him a nightmare, and he was nearly embarrassed by Francis Ngannou. Tonight is a massive test to see exactly how much petrol is left in the tank.

Image source, Getty Images

We're a couple of rounds into the first fight on the main card between heavyweights Frazer Clarke and Justis Huni.

Both are throwing heavy and looking for an early knockout but neither has found that vital shot just yet.

Fellow heavyweight Anthony Joshua has just taken his seat ringside to get a look at the action.

Would Joshua be considering Clarke or Huni for a warm-up fight when he returns this year?

Image source, Getty Images

After 15 months out of the ring on the back of successive losses against Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury returns tonight with some big questions to answer.

• Is Makhmudov a risky opponent?
• Can Fury become a world champion again?
• Could Fury beat Usyk?
• Is there still an appetite for Fury v Joshua?
• Can an elite fighter train themselves without an elite coach?
• Is Fury still the biggest crossover star in British boxing?

BBC Sport spoke to WBO heavyweight world champion Fabio Wardley, two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas, boxing analyst Steve Bunce and renowned trainer Joe Gallagher to try and get some answers.

We'll bring you their thoughts throughout the night.

So, Tyson Fury seems pretty certain that he's at least going to get another shot at a world title if not go on to become a three-time champion.

Oleksandr Usyk is currently in possession of the WBA (Super), WBC and IBF belts, with Fabio Wardley holding the WBO title.

Do you think Fury has what it takes to reign as champion again?

Get in touch using the 'Get involved' button at the top of this page.

We did do a little fact check on Tyson Fury's claim that he is fighting in a stadium for the sixth time in a row tonight... and it didn't stand up.

Fury's last two fights took place in Saudi Arabia at Kingdom Arena.

It seems ChatGPT (other AI tools are available) still has a few issues to iron out.

Image source, Getty Images

Tyson Fury has cut a pretty relaxed figure this week. It appears 15 months away from the sport has worked wonders for the two-time heavyweight world champion.

At Thursday's news conference, Fury weaved across a variety of topics and was more than happy to take aim at current world champions Oleksandr Usyk and Fabio Wardley.

"Sooner or later these so-called alphabetical world champions are going to have to fight me. They will be hunted and destroyed. Who will they face for money? I'm the money man," Fury said.

"Whoever has the belts will be on their knees begging me by the end of the year. This is my sixth stadium fight back-to-back. Who has done that before? ChatGPT said no one."

Kal Sajad
BBC Sport at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Good evening from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It hasn't exactly been a fortress for the Premier League side lately, but can Tyson Fury find more joy on the hallowed turf tonight?

'The Gypsy King' is back after 15 months out, and standing across from him is Arslanbek Makhmudov.

On paper, most experts reckon Makhmudov is the perfect style for Fury to pick apart. But the Russian hits like a mule, and we know Fury has slumped to the canvas before.

There's just enough "what if" here to keep us on the edge of our seats.

If the unthinkable happens? Well, Fury's legendary career takes a massive hit - and we might be looking at a retirement he actually sticks to this time.

The undercard has just wrapped up, so here's how the schedule is looking for the rest of the night (times may change):

• Tyson Fury v Arslan Makhmudov - heavyweight (22:07 BST)
• Conor Benn v Regis Prograis - 10st 10lb catchweight (20:55)
• Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva (champion) v Richard Riakporhe - British heavyweight title (20:02)
• Frazer Clarke v Justis Huni - heavyweight (19:14)

Image source, Getty Images

Good evening!

Just a few more hours to go until we see Tyson Fury back in the ring after a 15-month absence.

The Briton makes his latest return - following a fifth stint in retirement - against heavy-handed Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov.

There's also an interesting bout in the co-main with Conor Benn in action against Regis Prograis.

Let's get straight into it.