Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has announced his return to boxing to end his latest retirement after over a year out of the ring.
The 37-year-old most recently hung up his gloves in January 2025 following a second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk a month prior but has promised a 2026 return in his latest Instagram post.
His news of his retirement decision was met with scepticism due to Fury’s history of changing his mind after he previously stepped away from the ring following a victory over Dillian Whyte in April 2022, only to return six months later. Similar situations occurred in November 2013 and July 2017, with the Brit returning to the ring on both occasions.
Fury is Back in Training Ahead of His Boxing Comeback
Fury had sparked speculation over a comeback after posting footage of himself with South African boxer Kevin Lerena in Thailand. Fan reaction to the sparring clips was not positive, but that hasn’t stopped Tyson pressing ahead with plans for a return.
The Gypsy King posted a training montage with the caption: “2026 is that year. Return of the Mac. Been away for a while, but I’m back now. 37 years old and still punching. Nothing better to do than punch men in the face & get paid for it.”
Fury has enjoyed two reigns as heavyweight champion and flaunts a professional record of 34 wins, two losses (both to Usyk), and one draw to Deontay Wilder.
He has previously spoken about his eagerness to avenge his defeats to Usyk with a possible trilogy on the cards. However, the Ukrainian has expressed his desire to defend his titles against Wilder instead.
Tyson Fury’s Planned Return Date Revealed
With Fury’s last three fights taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a comeback at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been discussed and a long-overdue bout between him and Anthony Joshua had been rumoured for September. However, Joshua’s immediate fighting future appears to be on hold following the fatal car crash in Nigeria which tragically took the lives of two of his closest friends.
While there has been no update on plans for a Fury vs Joshua showdown, Saudi Arabian boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh has already earmarked April as his preferred date for Tyson’s return to the ring, according to a report from The Sun.
Given that he will have been out of action for nearly 18 months at that point, it is not expected that Fury will face off with a major name in his comeback bout.
Whoever he steps into the ring with, though, the contest is likely to be more about getting rid of ring rust than achieving elite performance. After so long away, Fury will no doubt be keen to put on a show regardless of who he faces.
