Tyson Fury has dramatically signalled his intent to return to boxing, naming a trio of heavyweight rivals he wants to face in 2026. The former two-time world champion, who announced his retirement in January 2025, is now eyeing massive fights against Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk, and Fabio Wardley.
The Gypsy King's Comeback Trail
The 'Gypsy King', 37, appears to have performed another U-turn on his retirement. Fury initially stepped away from the sport after suffering back-to-back defeats to the Ukrainian master, Oleksandr Usyk, in 2024. However, recent months have seen the Morecambe fighter ramp up his training, including a stint in Thailand to sharpen his skills for what he hopes will be a major year.
Fury has been training alongside WBC bridgerweight champion Kevin Lerena and has been vocal about potential opponents. His primary goal remains a third fight with Usyk, despite losing the first two encounters. However, the path to that trilogy bout is now clouded in doubt.
Obstacles on the Path to Legacy Fights
Serhii Lapin, an advisor to Oleksandr Usyk, has suggested the rivalry with Fury is likely over. "Theoretically, it’s an interesting option, but for whom?" Lapin told The Ring in October 2025. "In my opinion, that chapter is already closed." This statement casts significant doubt on the prospect of Fury-Usyk III.
Meanwhile, the long-awaited all-British blockbuster against Anthony Joshua faces a tragic and uncertain delay. Plans for a summer 2026 showdown were reportedly agreed, but Joshua was recently involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, admitted boxing is the last thing on Joshua's mind and suggested any fight may not happen until late 2026, if at all.
A New British Contender Emerges
With the mega-fights against Usyk and Joshua in question, Fury has also set his sights on the new WBO heavyweight champion, Fabio Wardley. Fury recently posted an image on Instagram staring down all three rivals and specifically mentioned Wardley as a potential option for his comeback.
Wardley earned his championship status with a stunning eleventh-round knockout of Joseph Parker in October 2025 to claim the WBO interim title. He was later promoted to full champion after Usyk vacated the belt, making a fight with Fury a legitimate title contest.
Fury's return promises to reshape the heavyweight landscape in 2026, but significant personal and professional hurdles must first be overcome for these dream matches to become reality.
