Benn vs Fury & Makhmudov: Boxing Fights Confirmed on Netflix | News & Updates

Fury Returns to the Ring: Makhmudov Clash Set, Benn-Prograis Added to April Card

London – Tyson Fury’s return to professional boxing is officially on, with a bout against Arslanbek Makhmudov scheduled for April 11th in the UK. The fight, marking Fury’s first since his back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, will be streamed live on Netflix, signaling a significant shift in how major boxing events are distributed. Adding further intrigue to the card, a compelling welterweight showdown between Conor Benn and Regis Prograis has been confirmed as a supporting bout, promising a night of high-stakes action for fight fans.

The announcement ends months of speculation surrounding Fury’s future following his defeats to Usyk, which saw the Ukrainian become the undisputed heavyweight champion. While Fury initially announced his retirement after the second Usyk fight, hints of a comeback persisted, culminating in confirmation from his camp and the unveiling of the Makhmudov matchup. The event represents a novel chapter for Fury, who is aiming to regain world title contention and potentially secure a trilogy bout with Usyk or a challenge for the WBO championship currently held by Fabio Wardley, likewise promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. Boxing News Online reports that despite the Netflix deal, Fury remains under the promotional guidance of Frank Warren.

Fury’s Promotional Status Clarified Amid Netflix Deal

The involvement of Netflix as the streaming platform raised questions about Fury’s long-term promotional arrangement with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. The absence of the Queensberry logo on initial promotional materials fueled speculation of a potential split. However, Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown, clarified the situation to IFL TV, stating unequivocally that Warren remains ‘The Gypsy King’s’ promoter. “Frank knows everything that is going on,” Brown insisted. “Do you reckon he’s not? Don’t be silly.” This confirmation alleviates concerns about a fractured relationship between Fury and his long-time promoter, despite the evolving landscape of boxing broadcasting.

The shift towards streaming platforms like Netflix is reshaping the boxing world, offering new avenues for reaching audiences and potentially disrupting traditional pay-per-view models. Netflix’s growing investment in boxing, including previous events featuring Jake Paul and Amanda Serrano, demonstrates its commitment to the sport and its ambition to become a major player in the boxing broadcasting market. Essentially Sports reported in July 2025 that Frank Warren had previously suggested Netflix may have delayed Fury’s return to the ring, potentially halting plans for a 2025 comeback.

Benn and Prograis Clash in Welterweight Showdown

The undercard is headlined by a highly anticipated welterweight contest between Conor Benn and Regis Prograis. Benn, 27, is looking to re-establish himself as a force in the 147-pound division after a recent victory over Chris Eubank Jr. In a November rematch. Both previous fights against Eubank Jr. Took place at middleweight, but Benn intends to campaign at welterweight as he pursues a world title opportunity. He stated, “My last fight there showed the world exactly who I am and what I’m about. Fighting on the biggest stages, in the biggest shows, I fear no-one.”

Prograis, 37, a former WBA light-welterweight champion, presents a significant challenge for Benn. While possessing a decorated career, Prograis has experienced recent setbacks, with two losses in his last three outings, including defeats to Jack Catterall and Devin Haney. His experience and power will undoubtedly test Benn’s resolve as he aims to climb the welterweight rankings. The bout offers Prograis a chance to rebound from recent losses and reassert his status as a top contender in the division.

Makhmudov: A Formidable Opponent for Fury

Arslanbek Makhmudov, Fury’s opponent, is a relatively unknown quantity to many casual boxing fans, but represents a serious threat. The Russian heavyweight boasts an impressive professional record and a reputation for knockout power. He secured a victory over Dave Allen in October, further solidifying his position as a rising contender in the heavyweight division. Makhmudov will be looking to upset the boxing world and derail Fury’s comeback plans, potentially opening the door for a shot at a world title himself.

Fury, 37, is entering this fight after consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, a rare blemish on his otherwise dominant career. The losses to Usyk, while disappointing for Fury and his fans, haven’t diminished his star power or his ambition. He has openly expressed his desire for a rematch with Usyk, aiming to avenge his defeats and reclaim his position at the top of the heavyweight division. The fight against Makhmudov serves as a crucial stepping stone towards that goal.

The Changing Landscape of Boxing Promotion

The promotional dynamics surrounding the Fury-Makhmudov fight are noteworthy. While Fury is signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, TKO president Mark Shapiro indicated that Zuffa Boxing will be promoting the event. This arrangement highlights the increasing complexity of boxing promotion, with multiple entities vying for control and influence. The involvement of Zuffa Boxing, the parent company of the UFC, signals a potential shift in the power dynamics within the sport, as the mixed martial arts giant expands its footprint into the boxing world. The Independent noted that while Warren and Queensberry were involved, their specific role appeared less prominent in the initial promotion of the fight.

The decision to stream the fight on Netflix also reflects a broader trend towards streaming services as major players in sports broadcasting. This shift offers several advantages, including wider accessibility for fans and the potential for increased revenue for fighters and promoters. However, it also raises questions about the future of traditional pay-per-view models and the role of television networks in boxing coverage.

As Fury prepares for his return to the ring, the boxing world will be watching closely. The fight against Makhmudov represents a significant challenge, but also an opportunity for Fury to reassert his dominance and reignite his pursuit of world championship glory. The undercard bout between Benn and Prograis adds another layer of excitement to the event, promising a night of compelling action for boxing fans worldwide.

The next key date for boxing fans will be April 11th, when Fury and Makhmudov step into the ring. Following the event, attention will turn to Fury’s potential path back to a world title shot and the future of his promotional arrangement. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of this developing story and all the latest news from the world of boxing.