Tyson Fury, the former heavyweight world champion, has announced his return to professional boxing in 2026, effectively ending his latest retirement. The 37-year-old Briton was last seen competing in December 2024, when he suffered a second consecutive loss to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk in their heavyweight rematch.
Fury's decision comes after speculation over a comeback had been growing in recent weeks, following footage of him training in Thailand alongside South African boxer Kevin Lerena. The Briton shared his intention on Instagram, stating "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's return was widely expected, given his history of reversals when he stepped away from boxing after stopping Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium in April 2022, only to return six months later. His most recent retirement was met with skepticism last year, following a similar pattern.
Promoter Frank Warren had expressed confidence in Fury's eventual return, while Saudi Arabia powerbroker Turki Alalshikh had reportedly planned for Fury and long-time rival Anthony Joshua to take separate bouts in the Kingdom early in 2026 before finally meeting later in the year.
However, recent developments have cast doubt on these plans. Joshua was injured in a car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends, leaving his future prospects uncertain.
Fury enjoyed two reigns as heavyweight champion and boasts a professional record of 34 wins, two defeats - both against Usyk - and one draw with Deontay Wilder. He stunned long-reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to claim the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and The Ring heavyweight titles in Germany.
The Briton has spoken openly about wanting to avenge his defeats by Usyk, who currently holds the WBA (Super), WBC and IBF belts.
Fury's decision comes after speculation over a comeback had been growing in recent weeks, following footage of him training in Thailand alongside South African boxer Kevin Lerena. The Briton shared his intention on Instagram, stating "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's return was widely expected, given his history of reversals when he stepped away from boxing after stopping Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium in April 2022, only to return six months later. His most recent retirement was met with skepticism last year, following a similar pattern.
Promoter Frank Warren had expressed confidence in Fury's eventual return, while Saudi Arabia powerbroker Turki Alalshikh had reportedly planned for Fury and long-time rival Anthony Joshua to take separate bouts in the Kingdom early in 2026 before finally meeting later in the year.
However, recent developments have cast doubt on these plans. Joshua was injured in a car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends, leaving his future prospects uncertain.
Fury enjoyed two reigns as heavyweight champion and boasts a professional record of 34 wins, two defeats - both against Usyk - and one draw with Deontay Wilder. He stunned long-reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to claim the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and The Ring heavyweight titles in Germany.
The Briton has spoken openly about wanting to avenge his defeats by Usyk, who currently holds the WBA (Super), WBC and IBF belts.
just wondering if fury's gotta prove somethin' every time he comes back... like, can't he just enjoy the ride?
he's been away from boxing for a bit but still seems like the same ol' gypsy king, always looking to cause some chaos in the ring. that usyk rematch was intense, and i think it's time fury gets his revenge 
. also, anthony joshua's injury is super unlucky - wish him all the best and hope he recovers soon 
. anyone else excited for more boxing action?
. Seriously though, 37 and still going strong? That's impressive! 
! What do you guys think? Should Fury try and take back what he feels is owed to him after those losses?
i wonder if joshua's gonna come out of that car crash okay or if its just a temporary set back 
The man's still 37 but seems to have the energy of someone half his age. His training sessions in Thailand looked intense - can't wait to see him back in the ring, especially against Usyk again. 
Tyson Fury is coming back for more 
And now that Josh has had a major setback with that car accident... I think the boxing world is gonna be talking about Fury vs Usyk 2 all over again 
37 and still throwing punches? that's goalzzz!! 
and now with joshua out of commission due to injury, fury's got a clear path to taking on usyk again... bring it on!!