Tyson Fury has suggested British heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley as a potential opponent for his planned 2026 comeback, should a blockbuster fight with Anthony Joshua fall through. The news comes amid uncertainty over Joshua's future following a tragic car accident in Nigeria.
The Gypsy King's Comeback Trail
Despite announcing his retirement in January 2025 after two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, the 37-year-old Fury is now heavily signalling a return to the ring. Currently training in Thailand, the former two-time world heavyweight champion has been posting regular updates to social media, showcasing his preparations with WBC bridgerweight titleholder Kevin Lerena.
In a recent online post, Fury seemingly confirmed his intentions, writing: "2026 is that year Return of the Mac. Been away for a while but im back now, 37 years old and still punching." He added in a training video: "Feeling sharper, faster, more ready than I was last week. Second week of training, come on. Bring it on, let’s go."
Joshua Fight in Doubt After Tragedy
The much-anticipated all-British clash between Fury and Joshua, which was reportedly agreed for this summer, now faces significant hurdles. Anthony Joshua was recently involved in a serious car crash in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two of his close friends.
Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, acknowledged the profound impact of the event, stating that boxing will be the last thing on Joshua's mind. Warren effectively ruled out the fight happening as early as initially planned in 2026, casting doubt on whether the historic bout will ever take place.
Wardley Emerges as a Viable Alternative
With the Joshua fight in jeopardy, Fury appears to be lining up other options. He directly named Ipswich's Fabio Wardley as a possible opponent, commenting online: "Big smoke for the GK after a long lay off could be an option for later in 2026. God willing."
Wardley, 29, earned his status as a major player in the division by knocking out former champion Joseph Parker in October to claim the WBO interim title. He was subsequently promoted to full champion after Usyk vacated the belt, making a fight with Fury a legitimate championship affair.
The British boxing scene is now left waiting to see if Fury and Joshua can finally settle their rivalry, or if a new domestic showdown between Fury and Wardley will become the headline act for 2026.
