David Haye, Lennox Lewis, Joseph Parker discuss Tyson Fury’s return to the ring
Tyson Fury is set to make his highly anticipated return to the boxing ring on Saturday night against Arslanbek Makhmudov in London.
ESPN has consulted three heavyweight analysts: David Haye, Joseph Parker, and Lennox Lewis, to gather their insights on Fury’s upcoming comeback and the potential dynamics of the fight.
David Haye
Former cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion.
Are you pleased that Tyson Fury is making a comeback?
“Absolutely. Boxing benefits from Tyson Fury’s presence. We need the drama; we need ‘The Gypsy King’ in the heavyweight scene. It’s less entertaining without him.
“I hope he returns to his peak form on Saturday night. Makhmudov is a formidable opponent. He’s not the easiest fighter to face, especially when you’re uncertain about your own condition. Makhmudov is a suitable rival, but you’ll need to be prepared for 12 rounds of action, or he will overwhelm you.
“He’s very powerful and hits hard. He may not be the most skilled boxer. It’s one thing for him to claim: ‘I’m No. 1 in the world, I didn’t lose to Usyk’ … Whatever. We’ll see on Saturday night.”
Do you think he will sit in the dressing room and contemplate how he will perform in the ring?
“No, he has been doing this since childhood. He won’t be anxious at all. That’s a typical human response. He’s a fighter. He has proven it repeatedly. He faced Wilder when he was that unbeaten force and triumphed.
“Competing against Makhmudov won’t intimidate him. It’s not about his mentality; it’s about his physical condition. That’s the uncertainty.”
Joseph Parker
Former heavyweight world champion, friend and sparring partner of Tyson Fury.
Having been around him, how has Tyson been during training camp?
“He’s in exceptional shape. He consistently puts in the effort. It’s great to see him happy and enjoying training. For him now, it’s about savoring every moment.
“He’s in excellent condition and prepared to fight. Even now, he’s the fittest individual in the camp. We’ve been training in Thailand, where the gym is quite hot; I sparred 4 or 5 rounds with him and really felt it. I stepped out, and another guy stepped in … Then another. He’s sparring fresh opponents for 12 rounds. It’s not as if he’s just naturally fit. He works hard for it.”
Makhmudov presents a tough challenge; what’s Tyson’s mindset for this bout?
“I don’t believe Tyson could have trained any harder than if it were a title fight. He’s approached this opponent [Makhmudov] as if he were facing King Kong. That’s how seriously he has prepared for this match, and I can say that honestly because I’ve been there.”
Lennox Lewis
Former undisputed heavyweight world champion.
Tyson appears to be in good shape; he’s been calm and content all week. What version of him do you anticipate seeing on Saturday night?
“I expect Tyson Fury to enter the ring feeling self-assured. He has already faced challenges during the [Francis] Ngannou fight when he was caught in the early rounds.
“He will ensure he doesn’t get caught again … He understands what that experience is like and wants to avoid a repeat.”
Do you think the time off may have been beneficial for him?
“Absolutely. I believe Thailand has been very advantageous for him. He’s someone who needs to step away. He can’t be around too many people, but he enjoys being with his family, which uplifts him. He’s been in an environment that makes him feel good, allowing him to lose weight comfortably.
“By returning and expressing his desire to box a few more times, he can remain active for at least another year.”
