Tyson Fury: Possible Opponents for His Return to the Ring in 2026

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Tyson Fury: Return to the Ring in 2026? Analysis of Possible Opponents

The boxing world could be about to witness a new chapter in Tyson Fury’s career. After announcing his retirement on several occasions, the former heavyweight champion seems to be considering a return to the ring for the year 2026.

“He has indicated that he wants to fight next year,” promoter Frank Warren commented 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 second decision loss to undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk in December. After this fight, Fury announced his retirement, but now rumors of a comeback are getting stronger. Given this possible return, the question that arises is: Who will be Fury’s next opponent? Will he face a high-level challenge immediately, or will he seek a more accessible fight to regain his rhythm? We analyze the possible options.

The Fight Everyone Wants: Anthony Joshua

Although the confrontation would no longer have the same magnitude as when both held all the heavyweight titles, the demand to see Fury against Joshua remains high, especially in the United Kingdom. Both pugilists, nearing 40 and in the final stage of their careers, are aware that time is running out to generate a large sum of money by sharing the ring.

“I know if the deal is right, he will fight Anthony Joshua,” 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 his technical knockout loss in the fifth round to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Elbow surgery has delayed his return, but he is expected to fight again at the end of this year or the beginning of 2026. Hearn has indicated that Joshua could have an interim fight before a possible fight against Fury.

“The obvious one is Joshua because everyone wanted to see that fight and [still] want to see that fight. That’s a no-brainer,” Warren stated. “To be honest, it’s all about the money.”

Frank Warren
Recently, Warren and Hearn have held talks with Turki Alalshikh, the most influential figure in world boxing, about the possibility of making Fury vs. Joshua a reality.

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

Eddie Hearn
The main question is whether Fury feels ready to face Joshua immediately or if he will prefer a preparation fight, which could delay the expected match until the second half of 2026.

Possible Alternative Opponents: Martin Bakole or Fabio Wardley

After more than a year out of the ring, Fury could opt for a preparation fight. A less threatening opponent, but with enough renown to be considered credible, would be Bakole. Bakole, 33 years old, is looking for a big fight and has been Fury’s sparring partner in the past. If Bakole ended up fighting Joshua, Fury could be matched with Fabio Wardley.

The Rival That Would Be Put Aside: Oleksandr Usyk

Fury feels a deep sense of injustice over the result of his rematch with Usyk. Usyk, with a 2-0 record over Fury, continued his great form in a fifth-round knockout victory over Dubois in July. Although Usyk might be tempted by a trilogy fight with a big purse before retiring, Fury could earn more against Joshua and have more chances of beating him, so that trilogy fight is unlikely to be next.

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 be fighting on December 13th, but not against Fury.

The Impossible Fight: Joseph Parker

Parker, the former WBO champion, is in an excellent position to contend for a world title in 2026, as long as he avoids defeat against Wardley on October 25. 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.
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