Tyson Fury has signalled his intent to return to the boxing ring in 2026 and has identified a potential all-British clash with Fabio Wardley should a blockbuster showdown with Anthony Joshua fail to materialise.
Fury's Comeback Trail After Retirement
The 'Gypsy King', who announced his retirement in January 2025 after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, is now deep in training for a comeback. The 37-year-old former two-time heavyweight world champion is currently in Thailand, posting regular workout videos to his social media followers.
In a recent online post, Fury strongly hinted his retirement was over, writing: "2026 is that year Return of the Mac. Been away for a while but im back now, 37 years old and still punching. Nothing better to do than punch men in the face and get paid for it." He has been training alongside WBC bridgerweight champion Kevin Lerena, stating he feels "sharper, faster, more ready" with each passing week.
Joshua's Future Clouded by Tragedy
The path to a long-anticipated domestic mega-fight between Fury and Anthony Joshua has been severely complicated. Last month, reports suggested both fighters had agreed to a summer 2026 bout. However, Joshua was recently involved in a tragic car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two of his close friends.
This has cast significant doubt on Joshua's immediate boxing future. Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, acknowledged the situation, telling The Mirror: "Well, boxing will certainly be the last thing on his mind, right now... I don't know the extent of his injuries, but it's also how mentally this will affect him." Warren effectively ruled out the fight happening as early as initially planned.
Wardley Emerges as Leading Contender
With the Joshua fight in jeopardy, Fury appears to be looking at other options. He has publicly floated the idea of facing Fabio Wardley later in the year. Fury commented online: "Big smoke for the GK after a long lay off could be an option for later in 2026. God willing."
Wardley presents a credible domestic alternative. The Ipswich fighter secured the WBO interim heavyweight title by knocking out Joseph Parker in the eleventh round last October. He was subsequently elevated to full champion status after Usyk vacated the belt.
While fans remain desperate to finally see Fury and Joshua share a ring, the focus may now shift to a compelling clash with the rising champion, Wardley, as Fury plots his latest return to the sport.
