Fury Confirms 2026 Comeback at Age 37

Tyson Fury has officially announced his return to boxing in 2026, ending yet another retirement and setting the stage for a possible heavyweight showdown later this year.

The 37-year-old British former world champion has not fought since his second consecutive loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024. That bout saw Fury lose the rematch and miss his chance to regain unified heavyweight titles.

Despite confirming his retirement shortly afterward, many boxing fans and insiders remained skeptical—with good reason.

“Return of the Mac” – Fury Announces via Instagram

Fury made the announcement on Sunday via Instagram, posting a clip from his training in Thailand with South African heavyweight Kevin Lerena:

“2026 is that year. Return of the Mac. Been away for a while but I’m back now. 37 years old and still punching. Nothing better to do than punch men in the face & get paid for it.”

This is not the first time the “Gypsy King” has walked away from the ring only to return. He previously announced retirement after stopping Dillian Whyte in April 2022—only to return six months later.

Potential Return Plans: Joshua? Wardley? Usyk?

Anthony Joshua Super-Fight?

Fury’s return could revive long-standing plans for a blockbuster fight with Anthony Joshua. Saudi Arabia’s sports authority, led by Turki Alalshikh, had reportedly planned a path toward that fight, with both men scheduled to take tune-up bouts in early 2026.

However, Joshua’s involvement is now uncertain following a serious car accident in Nigeria that left him injured and claimed the lives of two of his friends.

Joshua recently defeated Jake Paul in December and said, “I’m ready for Fury next.”

Usyk Trilogy Unlikely

Fury has two losses to Oleksandr Usyk, and while he’s expressed a desire to avenge them, fan appetite for a third bout is low, and Usyk has suggested his next defense could come against Deontay Wilder instead.

Fabio Wardley Domestic Clash?

A more realistic option could be a domestic heavyweight clash with current WBO champion Fabio Wardley, also promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. That would offer Fury a route back into title contention without immediately jumping into a high-risk trilogy.

Fury’s Career at a Glance

• Record: 34 Wins – 2 Defeats – 1 Draw

• Championship Reigns:

  • WBA (Super), WBO, IBF, and The Ring: 2015 (vs Wladimir Klitschko)

  • WBC Champion: 2020–2024 (vs Deontay Wilder trilogy)

• Retirements:

  • First: 2016–2018 (mental health break)

  • Second: 2022 (post-Whyte)

  • Third: 2025 (post-Usyk II)

Fury has consistently spoken about his mental health journey and has often used boxing as both a career and therapeutic outlet.

What’s Next?

There is no official fight date or opponent yet, but promoter Frank Warren is expected to reveal more in the coming weeks. Turki Alalshikh’s influence on boxing’s global calendar means Saudi Arabia is likely to host any major Fury comeback bout.