Tyson Fury, known as the `Gypsy King`, has officially announced his intention to make a boxing return in 2026. His primary targets are a highly anticipated rematch against Oleksandr Usyk to avenge his recent loss, or a massive all-British superfight versus Anthony Joshua.
This confirmation came via Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia`s General Entertainment Authority. Alalshikh revealed on social media Wednesday that Fury had personally informed him of his plans to step back into the ring next year, following a period away from the sport.
Fury had previously declared his retirement from boxing in January of this year, roughly a month after his unanimous decision defeat to Usyk in their heavyweight contest. Despite announcing his retirement, the 36-year-old fighter has frequently hinted at a potential return, often sharing videos of himself back in training alongside his coach, SugarHill Steward.
When asked about his preferred opponent during his attendance at the IBA Pro Event in Istanbul, Fury was clear. He told Boxing News, “Who would I rather fight right now? Usyk. I want my revenge in England, that`s all I want.”
Fury expressed dissatisfaction with the judging in his recent bouts, stating, “I want my fair shout, and I don`t believe I`ve got a fair shout the last two times. I don`t know what I`m going to have to do, because I can`t let it go to a decision.”
He continued, “That`s the one I want, but if I don`t get that then it will be (Anthony) Joshua, the biggest British boxing fight that will ever happen. It would break all records and it would sell out 100,000 at Wembley in an hour and it`s a fight I think can happen, if I did decide to come back and the deal was right.”
Commenting on Oleksandr Usyk`s upcoming fight against Daniel Dubois on July 19, Fury dismissed the idea of fighting Dubois himself. He stated that if he were to hypothetically return to face Dubois, it “would be a one-sided beat-down,” adding, “I wish him luck in his fight against Usyk, but styles make fights and his style and my style don`t gel. I would annihilate him.”
Turki Alalshikh`s social media post provided further confirmation of the `Gypsy King`s` plans, fueling more speculation about his future. Alalshikh wrote on X, “The `Gypsy King` will be back!!! I talked with him, and I have his word to have him in Riyadh Season in 2026. We have a rabbit to hunt!”
Prior to Alalshikh`s announcement, Fury had hinted that any potential return would specifically be to fight Usyk in the United Kingdom. Usyk handed Fury his first professional defeat earlier this year, a bout the article incorrectly refers to as one of two losses last year. Despite the outcome, Fury maintains he believes he won the fight.
Reflecting on his past performance against Usyk, Fury said, “Usyk is very experienced. But he`s coming off two fights with me, which is debatable which he won them or not, which he didn`t, but he got the decision which is all that matters.” He reiterated, “If I was going to come back, I would come back for Usyk, but I want a fair result in England. That would be the fight I want next. I don`t want any favours, I want a fair fight and a fair result which I know I didn`t get. I thought I won that second fight by five rounds. I watched it literally 250 times and each way, I never see there`s a way he won. But, they can do what they want.”
Despite the talk of a comeback, Fury has also expressed reservations about returning to the demanding sport, particularly regarding his health. He previously questioned, “What would I be coming back for? There`s not much to come back for. Does just the love of the sport overthrow my health? You`ve got to worry about your health. Your health is your wealth.”
Fury has a history of announcing retirement and subsequently returning. He first retired in April 2022 after defeating Dillian Whyte but returned six months later to fight Derek Chisora. He initially became a world heavyweight champion in 2015 by defeating Wladimir Klitschko.
After a period away, he returned to the ring and secured the WBC title by beating Deontay Wilder in their second fight in 2020, followed by a third win against Wilder in 2021. He successfully defended his title against Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora in 2022 and overcame a challenge from Francis Ngannou in 2023, before his recent defeat to Usyk.
Although a fight against Anthony Joshua has never materialized, Fury stated he has no regrets and believes the ongoing attention surrounding his potential return simply demonstrates “how relevant I am.”
He concluded, “As far as I`m concerned, I`m happy, I`ve won everything I`ve had to do. My last fight was a clear victory for The Gypsy King. Anyone in boxing can see that. Political, whatever you want to call it. As soon as I saw the result I thought: `What is going on here?` But I accept it, I`m a man. I don`t make excuses, on with the next thing. I went home to my family. I`m in Morecambe, I train twice a day. I drink when I want, I eat when I want. I`ve earned the right to.”
Murray Blackwood