Tyson Fury insists he is in the final six months of his boxing career after acknowledging that this year will be his last in the sport. The Gypsy King started his professional journey almost two decades ago and six retirements later is again saying he will hang up the gloves this winter. That would make his most recent return to the ring one of his shorter stints, having only reversed his decision in January.
Upcoming fights
After beating Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, Mariusz Wach now awaits today. His next fight later this year is due to be against long-time rival Anthony Joshua.
Ahead of his second contest of 2026, Fury told The Sun: "This is my final year. That's why I want to be active. I don't want to go on until I'm 65 years old." He then confirmed: "This is the last year, yeah. Final year, 26."
Busy schedule planned
Fury suggested a packed schedule for the autumn and winter months, stating: "I just want to keep busy, keep active. It's not about money, it's not about belts, it's about nothing now. It's about enjoying my life and enjoying my career and doing what I love to do. That's boxing training, so maybe I'll do quite a lot this year."
He has not competed more than twice in a single calendar year since 2018. On that occasion, he was similarly emerging from retirement, following a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. Before his bout with Deontay Wilder, Fury warmed up with two fights against Francesco Pianeta and Sefer Seferi during the summer. Should he compete four times in 2026 by facing Joshua in a rematch, it would mark the first occasion he has done so since 2011.
Potential Joshua clash
At that time, Fury was competing for British and Commonwealth titles, defeating Derek Chisora to claim both belts. Since then, he has fought only once for more than 10 rounds, against Francis Ngannou three years ago. Any potential clash with Joshua would likely be scheduled for no fewer than 12 rounds.
The finer details of the prospective bout are yet to be confirmed, with an announcement expected once both fighters come through their respective contests this week. Turki Al-Sheikh revealed in April that Netflix would broadcast the fight, though a venue has yet to be finalised. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, has previously indicated that the contract stipulates the fight must take place in the United Kingdom. Al-Sheikh acknowledged earlier this month that Wembley Stadium would be his preferred host.
