Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has officially declared his intention to return to professional boxing in 2026, just one year after announcing his retirement from the sport.
The Gypsy King's Comeback Announcement
The 37-year-old fighter, known as 'The Gypsy King', hung up his gloves in January 2025 following his second consecutive defeat to the unified champion, Oleksandr Usyk. However, Fury has now performed a dramatic U-turn.
After hinting at a return over the Christmas period by posting several training videos on social media, Fury made his plans explicit in a post on Instagram on Sunday. "2026 is that year Return of the mac," he wrote. "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 & get paid for it."
Will The Joshua Fight Finally Happen?
Fury's announcement immediately reignites speculation about a long-awaited, all-British showdown with Anthony Joshua. A blockbuster fight between the two has been discussed for years, with both camps recently indicating that positive talks had taken place.
However, a major question mark now hangs over Anthony Joshua's immediate future in the ring. This follows a horrific car crash in Nigeria, in which two of Joshua's close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, tragically lost their lives. The incident has cast serious doubt on whether Joshua will be in a position to fight anytime soon.
What Comes Next for Fury?
Fury's decision to return at the age of 37 sets the stage for a dramatic next chapter in his storied career. His comeback target of 2026 gives him a full year to prepare, though an opponent for his return bout has not yet been named.
While the potential for a historic clash with Anthony Joshua remains the dream for British fight fans, the sport will now wait to see how AJ responds following his personal tragedy. For now, the boxing world's focus shifts to Tyson Fury and his confirmed mission to reclaim his place at the top of the heavyweight division.
