Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has confirmed he will return to the ring in 2026, reigniting speculation about a long‑awaited clash with Anthony Joshua.
The 37‑year‑old, who last fought in December 2024 when he lost to Oleksandr Usyk in a contest for three of the four major belts, made the announcement on Instagram on Sunday.
“2026 is that year. Return of the mac,” Fury wrote. “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 and get paid for it.”
Fury, known as the “Gypsy King”, has retired and returned to boxing on several occasions. He declared his career over after defeating Dillian Whyte in April 2022, only to reverse that decision later the same year. His record stands at 34 wins from 37 contests, with Usyk the only man to have beaten him. Fury was outspoken about the judging in those defeats, remarking in his retirement message last year: “I’m going to end with this: Dick Turpin wore a mask.”
Hints of another comeback had already surfaced over the festive period, when Fury posted training clips online. His announcement now raises the prospect of finally meeting Joshua, who has repeatedly called him out.
Joshua, 36, returned to action in December 2025 after a 15‑month layoff, stopping Jake Paul in the sixth round of their Miami bout. Speaking in the ring afterwards, Joshua challenged Fury directly: “If Tyson Fury is as serious as he thinks he is, and he wants to put down his Twitter fingers and put on some gloves, and come and fight one of the realist fighters out there who will take on any challenge, step in the ring with me next if you’re a real bad boy. Don’t do all that talking: ‘AJ this, AJ that.’ Let’s see you in the ring and talk with your fists.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that discussions about Joshua’s next fight are ongoing, but said a meeting with Fury could be arranged quickly. “We can do that straight away. No interim fights. If Tyson’s ready, AJ’s ready, we don’t have to fight in February or March,” Hearn explained.
Plans had been in place for both men to take tune‑up fights before a potential showdown later in 2026. However, Joshua’s involvement in a fatal car crash in Ogun State, Nigeria, on Monday has cast uncertainty over his immediate future. The accident left Joshua with minor injuries but claimed the lives of two close friends and team members.
If Joshua is unavailable, Fury may instead pursue a trilogy fight with Usyk, who holds the WBC, WBA and IBF titles, or a contest with WBO champion Fabio Wardley. Victory in either bout would see Fury join Muhammad Ali in becoming a three‑time world heavyweight champion.
