Tyson Fury to lose fortune after Arslanbek Makhmudov victory and Anthony Joshua problem
Tyson Fury returned to the ring after a 14-month absence to defeat Arslanbek Makhmudov in London, but the Gypsy King faces a huge tax bill on his $25million payday
Tyson Fury lands on Arslanbek Makhmudov
Tyson Fury showed no mercy when he returned to action against Arslanbek Makhmudov on Saturday.
The British heavyweight competed for the first time in over a year when he defeated Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, securing a substantial payday – though a portion of this will go to the taxman. Fury reportedly earned US$25million (£18.6m) merely for participating after Netflix purchased the broadcasting rights to his bout.
The Gypsy King faced minimal difficulties against his Russian opponent and followed his victory by calling out Anthony Joshua for a future clash. He was taken the full distance by Makhmudov but it proved a largely commanding display, with Fury winning by unanimous decision.
Despite his loss in London, Makhmudov was set to collect a career-high purse of approximately £2m – a significant increase from the £260,000 he received for his previous contest, a victory over David Allen in 2025.
“The tax position of an international sports person largely depends on where they are resident (i.e. in which country they pay their taxes) as well as where they perform the activities generating the earnings,” Jon Elphick, managing tax partner at Mark Davies and Associates, told the Express. “Typically, a level of local tax will be paid where the event takes place, but additional tax may then be due in the country the sports person lives.
“Most countries apply a system of marginal taxes, with the rates increasing as a person’s income increases. The fight is due to take place at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, and so any earnings will be classified as UK source earnings.
“UK source earnings are subject to UK income tax, irrespective of where the sports person resides (which in Tyson Fury’s case may be the UK, or may be the Isle of Man depending on whether recent media reports are correct), so Tyson Fury will likely pay the highest rate of income tax on his fight purse. At a tax rate of 45%, the guaranteed payment of US$25m will create a UK tax liability of circa $11.25m (£8.35m).”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Conor Benn, who appeared on the undercard and defeated Regis Prograis via unanimous decision, found himself confronting a similar situation to Fury. “Conor will be in the same position as Tyson on the reported income of $15m, and he’ll likely pay tax (at a rate of 45%) in the region of $6.75m (£5m) on his earnings,” Elphick added.
After his victory, Fury threw down the gauntlet to Joshua. “Let’s give the fight fans what they want. Here’s my challenge. I challenge you Anthony Joshua, to fight me, Tyson Fury, the Gypsy King, NEXT!” he said.
“Do you accept my challenge? Let him say yes or no now. Come on you big s*** house, are you going to fight or not?
Joshua had no trouble firing back at his rival, though, saying: “Tyson you’re a clout chaser. I’ve never had no problem getting in the ring with you. I punched you up when we were kids. And after watching you here tonight, I’ll punch you up again.
He added: “With all due respect, tonight is your night and you know I’ll sit across that ring from you in due time. You ain’t going to tell me what to do.
“I’ve been chasing you for the last 10 years. When you’re ready, you come and see me and tell me your terms and conditions and I’ll have you in the ring when I’m ready. I’m the boss. You work for me. I’m the landlord, remember that, you work for me.”
