Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has announced he will return to professional boxing in 2026, bringing an end to his most recent retirement from the sport.
Fury, who holds a professional record of 34-2-1, last fought in December 2024 when he lost a rematch to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia. Fury announced his retirement the following month but has now confirmed plans to resume his career.
“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 and get paid for it,” Fury said, according to BBC Sport.
Fury’s announcement has prompted immediate speculation about potential opponents, including a long-discussed bout with fellow Briton Anthony Joshua, as well as the possibility of another fight with Usyk. However, a potential showdown with Joshua may have been complicated by the recent tragic car accident involving him in Nigeria in which two of his training staff lost their lives.
Details surrounding Fury’s return, including opponents, dates and locations, have yet to be confirmed, with further announcements expected closer to the time of his comeback.
Fury is a two-time world heavyweight champion, having first won the title by defeating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 before reclaiming championship status with a stoppage victory over Deontay Wilder in 2020, and his career has been marked by multiple retirements and returns.
