Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has announced his return to boxing, retiring from the sport in December 2024 after losing to Oleksandr Usik in a fight for three of the four major world titles.
The British star confirmed his return in a social media post, which sets up the prospect of a long-awaited clash with Anthony Joshua.
Fury wrote on Instagram that “2026 is the year. Mac’s comeback”.
“Been away for a while but now I’m back, 37 years old and still punching,” he said. “There’s nothing better than punching people in the face and getting paid for it.”
Before his two fights with Usik, Fury was unbeaten in 35 fights, winning 34 and drawing one.
Fury did not mention potential opponents, but his announcement comes after speculation intensified about a clash with British rival Joshua in 2026. Joshua, who is also a former world champion, knocked out YouTube star Jake Paul last month. But he was injured in a fatal car crash that killed two of his friends in Nigeria this week, leading to uncertainty over his immediate plans.
Fury is a two-time world champion. He ended Wladimir Klitschko’s reign with a victory in 2015 when he won the Super WBA, IBF and WBO titles.
He didn’t fight again until 2018 – but a thrilling trilogy with American Deontay Wilder resulted in a draw and two wins for him to claim the WBC title.