Tyson Fury: Possible opponents for his boxing return in 2026

Return to the Ring in 2026? Tyson Fury Considers His Next Fight

The boxing world could witness the return of Tyson Fury, the charismatic former heavyweight champion, who is reportedly planning to return to action in 2026. After announcing his retirement on multiple occasions, Fury could be ready for a new chapter in his career.

“He indicated that he wants to fight next year,” promoter Frank Warren stated on his Queensberry Promotions YouTube channel on October 9.

Frank Warren

Fury, with a record of 34 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw (24 KOs), hasn’t fought since his decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December. After this fight, he announced his retirement, although not for the first time. If Fury decides to return, the question arises about his next opponent. Will he face a high-caliber rival or will he seek a more accessible fight to regain his rhythm? Below, we analyze possible contenders for the “Gypsy King”.

The Fight That Could Happen: Anthony Joshua

Although it may not be as significant as when both held all the heavyweight titles, the fight between Fury and Joshua continues to generate great anticipation, especially in the United Kingdom. The English boxers have had serious conversations to face each other five years ago, but attempts to finalize the fight have not materialized. With both boxers nearing 40 and in the final stages of their careers, there’s an awareness that time is running out to earn a large sum of money by sharing the ring, regardless of whether there’s a title on the line or not.

“It was one of the most amazing retirements I’ve seen. We never knew that was going to happen, did we?”, said Eddie Hearn, Matchroom promoter, who has guided Joshua’s career since his professional debut in 2013.

Eddie Hearn

Joshua, a two-time former heavyweight world champion, hasn’t fought since he was knocked out in the fifth round by Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Elbow surgery has delayed his return, but he is expected to box again at the end of this year or the beginning of 2026. Hearn has mentioned that Joshua could have a warm-up fight before a possible clash with Fury.

“The obvious one is Joshua because everyone wanted to see that fight and [still] want to see that fight. That’s an obvious one,” Warren declared. “To be honest, it’s all about the money.”

Frank Warren

Warren and Hearn have held conversations about the possibility of finalizing the fight between Joshua and Fury with Turki Alalshikh, an influential figure in world boxing.

“I think Turki Alalshikh is probably the only one who can make the Tyson Fury fight because both will want a large amount of money and Turki has a reputation for making the biggest fights in the sport,” said Hearn.

Eddie Hearn

The question mark lies in whether Fury feels ready to directly face Joshua or if he will opt for a previous fight, which could delay the expected match until the second half of 2026.

Possible Opponents: Martin Bakole or Fabio Wardley

After more than a year out of the ring, Fury might prefer a warm-up fight. An opponent with less threat, but with enough renown to be considered credible, could be Bakole. Bakole, 33 years old, is looking for a significant fight and has been Fury’s sparring partner in the past. However, he was defeated by Joseph Parker in February. If Bakole were to face Joshua, Fury could be matched with Fabio Wardley. Both are promoted by Queensberry Promotions, and Wardley’s inexperience could be exploited by Fury’s cunning. Wardley is a dangerous boxer, as he demonstrated when he knocked out Justis Huni. Wardley is scheduled to face Parker on October 25.

The Rival He Could Avoid: Oleksandr Usyk

Fury feels a deep sense of injustice over the result of his rematch with Usyk, a feeling not shared by most of the media. Usyk, 38, has a 2-0 record over Fury and continued his great form with a fifth-round KO victory over Dubois in July. Although Usyk has mentioned that his retirement is near, he could be tempted by a trilogy match with a large sum of money. However, Fury could earn more against Joshua and have a better chance of beating him, which makes that trilogy fight unlikely.

The Most Dangerous: Moses Itauma

Fury is aware of how dangerous Itauma is, after the 20-year-old achieved his eighth victory in the first round in his most recent fight. Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) could fight on December 13, but not against Fury.

The Unlikely Combat: Joseph Parker

Parker, former WBO champion, is in an excellent position to get a world title opportunity in 2026, provided he avoids defeat against Wardley on October 25. Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) holds the WBO interim title, and if he defeats Wardley, he will enter 2026 as the main contender to fight Usyk, in what could be Usyk’s last fight before his retirement. However, Fury and Parker are good friends, and Parker even trains at Fury’s gym in Morecambe, England, and they share the same trainer, Andy Lee. Therefore, this is a fight that could not happen.