Picture this: Tyson Fury, the charismatic heavyweight icon known as the 'Gypsy King,' is gearing up to step back into the ring after another whirlwind retirement. It's a comeback that has fans buzzing and betting on who he'll square off against next. But fans, this isn't just about nostalgia – it's about the fights that could redefine his legacy. Stick around, because we're diving into the top contenders for his potential 2026 return, and trust me, there are twists that might surprise even the most seasoned boxing enthusiasts.
Nick Parkinson, a seasoned ESPN boxing reporter who's been chronicling the UK's boxing scene for over 25 years, brings us this insider look. We've seen Fury flirt with retirement before, only to reverse course dramatically. Now, it seems he's poised to do it again, with whispers of a fight looming in the coming year.
'He's expressed a clear desire to compete next year,' promoter Frank Warren revealed on his Queensberry Promotions YouTube channel on October 9. Fury, boasting a record of 34 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 24 knockouts, hasn't laced up his gloves since that contentious second defeat to the undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk back in December. After that rematch, he declared his retirement – yet again – leaving fans wondering if this time it's for real.
At 37 years old, if Fury truly embarks on this latest resurgence, the big question looms: Who will be his first dance partner? Will he dive straight into a high-stakes showdown, or opt for a gentler reintroduction to ease back into the spotlight? And what about that long-awaited clash with Anthony Joshua – will it finally materialize, or is he eyeing a less daunting opponent?
ESPN has compiled a list of five intriguing possibilities for Fury's comeback. Let's break them down, one by one, with some context to help newcomers to boxing grasp the stakes.
The matchup that simply must happen: Anthony Joshua
Even though the allure might not be as electric as when these two titans jointly held the heavyweight crowns, there's undeniable demand for Fury versus Joshua, particularly across the UK. These British rivals have been teasing a showdown for years – remember the intense negotiations back in 2019? Time after time, attempts to stage this mega-fight fizzled out, denying fans what could have been one of boxing's most lucrative spectacles.
As both men approach their 40th birthdays and the twilight of their careers, there's a growing urgency. The clock is ticking to capitalize on a no-holds-barred battle, title or no title. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, who has steered Joshua's career from his pro debut in 2013, recently shared with ESPN: '[Fury's] retirement was one of the most shocking I've witnessed. We didn't see that coming, did we? I believe if the financial terms align, he'll take on Anthony Joshua. He last stepped into the ring in December, so it's been nearly a year. I've heard that Fury's camp is in talks with Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, and I caught an interview where Frank Warren mentioned chatting with Tyson Fury about his comeback.'
Joshua, with a 28-4 record including 25 knockouts and two stints as heavyweight champion, hasn't fought since his fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Elbow surgery has sidelined him, but he's slated to return late this year or early 2026. Hearn informed ESPN that Joshua might squeeze in a tune-up bout before potentially facing Fury, even considering offers for fights in Africa.
'The no-brainer choice is Joshua, because everyone craved that fight back then and still does today. To put it bluntly, it's about the cash,' Warren stated. Lately, Warren and Hearn have been in separate discussions with Alalshikh about orchestrating Joshua vs. Fury. Alalshikh is arguably the most influential player in global boxing right now.
'I think Turki Alalshikh might be the key to locking in the Tyson Fury bout, as both fighters will demand enormous payouts, and he has a track record of pulling off the sport's biggest events,' Hearn added. 'And make no mistake, Anthony Joshua against Tyson Fury is the pinnacle fight in boxing.'
The burning question: Is Fury prepared to jump right into a Joshua showdown, or would an intermediate contest delay their potential clash until later in 2026?
The realistic option: Martin Bakole or Fabio Wardley
After a year-plus hiatus from the ropes, Fury might prefer a warm-up fight to shake off the rust. Someone who poses a moderate challenge but carries enough star power to draw interest could be Martin Bakole. At 33, Bakole is hungry for a major opportunity and has even trained with Fury in the past. With a 21-2-1 record and 16 knockouts, he was decisively handled by Joseph Parker in just two rounds back in February, stepping in as a last-minute replacement. He later fought to a draw with Efe Ajagba in May and has been rumored for a bout with Joshua in Nigeria.
If Bakole lines up against Joshua, Fury could instead face Fabio Wardley, both under Queensberry Promotions. Wardley, undefeated at 19-0-1 with 18 knockouts, isn't in the top tier yet, giving Fury a potential edge through his ring savvy. But don't underestimate him – Wardley proved his punch when he turned the tables to knock out the previously flawless Justis Huni in June after trailing. Wardley's next up against Parker on October 25.
The bout we'd rather skip: Oleksandr Usyk
Fury harbors a strong grievance about his rematch result against Usyk, a sentiment that's not widely echoed in the boxing press. Usyk, 38, has dominated Fury twice and maintained his dominance with a fifth-round knockout of Dubois in July, cementing his status as undisputed champion. It's tough to bet on Fury turning the tables in a trilogy, but alongside Joshua, this is a fight he might crave.
Usyk has hinted his retirement is imminent, and a lucrative third matchup could tempt him before hanging up his gloves. Yet, Fury stands to pocket more against Joshua and has a higher shot at victory, so this Usyk trilogy probably isn't next on the docket. But here's where it gets controversial – many argue Usyk's superiority is clear, but Fury's vocal critiques suggest he sees it differently. What do you think: Is a third fight fair, or is it time for Fury to pick on someone else?
The riskiest challenger: Moses Itauma
Fury knows firsthand how lethal Itauma can be, after the 20-year-old scored his eighth first-round knockout in his latest outing. 'Moses Itauma will dismantle all those aging veterans in the division,' Fury posted on social media in August after Itauma's quick demolition of Dillian Whyte, who once went six rounds with Fury for the WBC title in 2022.
'Usyk, Joshua, Jarrell Miller – whoever the old guard is. Zhilei Zhang, Luis Ortiz. Even the guy who snatched my belts, Usyk, Moses will take him out because it's youth against experience, and age can't compete with vitality.' Itauma, with a perfect 13-0 record and 11 knockouts, is slated for a fight on December 13, but it won't be against Fury.
And this is the part most people miss – could Itauma really upend the heavyweights we've all grown up watching? It's a bold claim from Fury, but one that sparks debate about the future of the division.
The fight he'll avoid: Joseph Parker
Parker, the ex-WBO champ, is well-positioned for a title shot in 2026, provided he triumphs over Wardley on October 25. With a 36-3 record and 24 knockouts, he holds the WBO interim belt and would likely be next in line to challenge Usyk, possibly in the Ukrainian's swan song.
Logically, Parker seems like a prime target for Fury to regain momentum. But these two are close pals – Parker even trains at Fury's Morecambe gym and shares trainer Andy Lee. This is one showdown that's not in the cards.
There you have it, boxing buffs – a rundown of Fury's possible opponents, complete with the drama, the dollars, and the debates. Fury's return could shake up the heavyweight scene in ways we can't predict. Do you agree that Joshua should be his first stop, or is avoiding Usyk a smart move? And what about Fury's bold predictions on Itauma – is he onto something, or just blowing smoke? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear your take! If Fury picks a comeback path that surprises us, it might just be the story of the year.
