Tyson Fury confirmed on Sunday that he will return to professional boxing, ending his latest retirement and setting the stage for a possible high-profile clash in 2026. The announcement comes amid heightened anticipation among fans and the boxing community for a potential bout against British rival Anthony Joshua.
Fury made the announcement on social media, writing: “2026 is the year. The return of the mac,” Fury posted on Instagram. “I’ve been away for a while but now I’m back, 37 years old and still punching. There’s nothing better than punching a man in the face and getting paid for it.”
Fury’s comeback follows his retirement following defeats against Oleksandr Usyk, with the last loss coming in December 2024. Prior to those defeats, Fury held an unbeaten professional record of over 35 fights, winning 34 and drawing one. His reputation as a dominant force in the heavyweight division was built on an unbroken run spanning nearly a decade.
Speculation immediately turned to a potential bout with Anthony Joshua. Although Fury did not name an opponent, his return coincides with growing calls for the long-discussed fight to take place in 2026. Joshua, who recently knocked out YouTube star Jake Paul, was injured in a car accident in Nigeria this weekwhich brings uncertainty about its immediate availability.
Fury’s career is defined by his achievements and resilience. In 2015, he famously ended Wladimir Klitschko’s championship reign by winning the WBA, IBF and WBO Super titles. After taking a break from the sport, Fury returned in 2018 and engaged in an unforgettable trilogy with Deontay Wilder that featured a draw and two wins to capture the WBC title.
Retirement has been a recurring theme on Fury’s journey. “Fury previously said he was retiring after defeating Dillian Whyte in 2022, but was back in the ring the following year.
While the prospect of a fight with Joshua is drawing most of the attention, other options remain for Fury’s return. A third bout with Oleksandr Usyk, who handed Fury his only professional loss, is a possibility, as is a bout with current WBO champion Fabio Wardley. Such bouts would further cement Fury’s legacy in a heavyweight era defined by dramatic rivalries and comebacks.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
January 4, 2026
