Heavyweight boxing legend Tyson Fury is plotting a major return to the ring in 2026, with his manager revealing the fighter could embark on a three-fight campaign for the first time in eight years.
Manager Hints at Busy Comeback Year
Tyson Fury's manager, Spencer Brown, has suggested the former two-time world champion is eyeing an ambitious three-fight schedule this year. This comes after Fury, 37, performed a dramatic U-turn on his retirement, which he initially confirmed in January 2025.
Fury has not competed since his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia back in December 2024. However, a renewed passion for the sport seems to have taken hold. "I told everyone he will come back, he is back loving boxing again," Brown told iFL TV. "He's had a year out, but we are maybe looking at three fights this year for him. He fancies fighting three times."
Training in Thailand and Potential Opponents
The 'Gypsy King' has been preparing for his return at a training camp in Thailand alongside WBC bridgerweight champion Kevin Lerena. The plan is for Fury to make his comeback before the end of April, starting with a tune-up fight against a lesser opponent.
Russian powerhouse Arslanbek Makhmudov has emerged as a frontrunner for that initial bout. The 6'6" giant last fought in October, securing a decision win over British boxer David Allen. Brown confirmed the interest, stating, "Makhmudov is one of the fights being talked about... he's an option."
Brown also expressed a desire to see Fury's return fight take place in Manchester as a homecoming event. He emphasised the need for a cautious approach, saying, "You have to be realistic with Tyson, he's been out for a year. He needs a fight to get his juices flowing first."
Eyeing Major Names and a Historic Schedule
Beyond the warm-up fight, Fury has his sights set on blockbuster clashes. He recently named a three-man hit list that includes a trilogy fight with Usyk, a long-awaited bout against Anthony Joshua, and a challenge for Fabio Wardley's WBO heavyweight title.
Wardley, promoted to full champion after winning the interim belt from Joseph Parker in October, has responded with keen interest. "It was good [to be named] because he was already on mine," Wardley told Sky Sports. "I'd be extremely keen to see if he's genuine about it or not." He warned Fury, however, that he could prove to be a "banana skin" for any opponent underestimating him.
If the three-fight plan materialises, it will be the first time since 2018 that Fury has fought three times in a calendar year. That year, he marked his own return from a lengthy hiatus after beating Wladimir Klitschko, defeating Sefer Seferi and Francesco Pianeta before his epic split draw with Deontay Wilder.
