'Optimal performance' - Haye & Lewis react to Fury win

Tyson Fury lands a punch on Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption,

Tyson Fury returned with a unanimous decision victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov after 15 months away from boxing

BySean ByrneBBC Sport journalist

Published29 minutes ago

Former world heavyweight champion David Haye described Tyson Fury's win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in his comeback fight as an "optimal performance".

Fury returned to the ring after a 15-month absence to secure a unanimous decision victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It was not a vintage display, but Haye believed it was a good return considering the ring rust Fury could have been dealing with.

"Fury did exactly what he needed to do," Haye told Netflix.

"That was the optimal performance for him. If he could pick the type of performance to put forward, it would be exactly that.

"He took all his tools out of the box and polished them up."

Retired multiple weight world champion Andre Ward agreed with Haye's assessment, downplaying suggestions was a soft reintroduction for Fury.

"Some will say Makhmudov is limited, but he's good enough," Ward said.

"You can't take away from what you've seen from Tyson Fury offensively and defensively tonight."

Four-time world champion Carl Froch said Fury "boxed well" and taking zero damage will be a positive for the 37-year-old.

"He's been out the ring for [nearly] 16 months and he put in a 12-round performance at a good pace," Froch said.

"The first couple of rounds were close, but then he took over against a dangerous puncher.

"He got hit with a couple of little shots, but you can see by his face he's not marked up."

Fury dominates Makhmudov and calls out Joshua next
- Published1 hour ago
Bloodied Benn cruises to points win over Prograis
- Published2 hours ago
Chisora suggests retirement U-turn for Wilder rematch
- Published3 hours ago

Joshua rates Fury's comeback win

Image source, PA MediaImage caption,

Anthony Joshua was an engaged spectator at ringside, even appearing to film some of the fight

Fury's British rival Anthony Joshua was ringside for the fight, and said he believes he would be "hard work" for 'the Gypsy King' if they were to fight.

"I like his fighting style, I think he is good, but I don't think he will be able to cope with me," Joshua said post-fight.

"Based off tonight, It would be hard work for him."

Fury called for a bout against long-time rival Joshua after Saturday's victory.

At ringside, Fury pushed Joshua for a "yes or no" answer as to whether the pair would be facing each other next - but Joshua refused to commit.

Former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis said he "didn't feel too good" about the scenario, believing Joshua is not ready to make a decision after the death of his two close friends in a car crash in December.

"I think it's too soon for Anthony Joshua right now," Lewis said.

"He just went through a traumatic thing, that's why he doesn't want to make any decisions.

"I think they're forcing him to make a decision when he's not ready to make that decision."