Tyson Fury announces his return to boxing a year after his last retirement

Former world heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, has announced that he will return to boxing in 2026, ending his final period of retirement.

The 37-year-old Briton last fought in December 2024, when he lost for the second time to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk in a heavyweight rematch. Fury confirmed his retirement a month later.

Speculation about his return has increased in recent weeks after Fury shared footage of himself training in Thailand alongside South African boxer Kevin Lerena.

In an Instagram post on Sunday, Fury said: “2026 is that year. The return of the Mac. I was away for a while but I’m back now. I’m 37 and I still punch. There’s nothing better to do than punch guys in the face and get paid for it.”

Fury’s return to the ring was widely expected. His recent retirement was met with skepticism last year, given his history of setbacks.

He previously retired from boxing after stopping Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium in April 2022, only to return six months later.

Queensberry’s promoter Frank Warren said he expected Fury to fight again. Saudi powerbroker Turki Al-Sheikh had reportedly planned to have Fury and long-time rival Anthony Joshua have separate bouts in the Kingdom in early 2026 before they finally meet later in the year.

Joshua raised the possibility after defeating Jake Paul in December, saying he was ready to face Fury next.

Those plans are now uncertain after Joshua was injured in a car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.

Fury enjoyed two reigns as heavyweight champion and boasts a professional record of 34 wins, two losses – both to Usyk – and one draw with Deontay Wilder.

Champion Wladimir Klitschko stunned in 2015 to capture the WBA (super), IBF, WBO and The Ring heavyweight titles in Germany.

After more than two and a half years away from the ring, during which he dealt with mental health issues, Fury returned in 2018 and regained his status as world champion by defeating Wilder in 2020 to win the World Boxing Council title.

Fury has spoken openly about his desire to avenge his defeats at the hands of Usyk, who currently holds the WBA (super), WBC, IBF and WBO belts.

There appears to be limited appetite among fans for a trilogy, while the Ukrainian has indicated he would prefer to defend his titles against Wilder next.

One potential path to competing for the world title could be a local showdown with Fabio Wardley, the current WBO champion and another fighter promoted by Warren Queensberry’s stable.