The boxing world is abuzz with news of a potential comeback for Tyson Fury, with an unlikely challenger emerging for his return fight. The former two-time heavyweight world champion, who announced his retirement in January 2025, is now being lined up for a bout against Brandon Moore, a former accountant and collegiate basketball player turned professional boxer.
Fury's Retirement U-Turn and Comeback Plans
Fury, 37, stepped away from the sport following consecutive defeats to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. However, in a significant reversal just six months later, the 'Gypsy King' declared his intention to fight again in 2026. He has been honing his skills at a training camp in Thailand alongside Kevin Lerena, insisting his motivation is a pure love for boxing, not financial gain.
The Morecambe fighter is reportedly eager to step back into the ring before the end of April, setting the stage for a major summer showdown. This planned tune-up fight is crucial for Fury to shake off any ring rust ahead of a potential blockbuster later in the year.
Brandon Moore: The Unconventional Contender
The name in the frame for this comeback bout is American heavyweight Brandon Moore. His promoter, Dmitriy Salita, has confirmed he is eager to negotiate a fight with Fury, touting Moore's credentials. Moore is the reigning USBA Heavyweight Champion and boasts a record of 19-1, with 10 wins by knockout.
Salita described the 6'6", 240-250lb fighter as a "legitimate American heavyweight" who physically mirrors the modern profile seen in fighters like Anthony Joshua. "This is someone who wants to test himself at the highest level, and facing Tyson Fury represents exactly that," Salita told Sky Sports.
Moore's journey to boxing is unconventional. He played basketball at Southeastern University before graduating with a degree in accounting and finance in 2016. He only walked into a boxing gym for the first time in 2018, quitting his accounting job to turn professional a year later. His sole defeat came against the undefeated Olympic silver medallist Richard Torrez Jr. in 2025.
Other Opponents in the Mix
While Moore's name is now in contention, he is not the only potential opponent. Russian powerhouse Arslanbek Makhmudov is also a leading candidate for Fury's return fight. The 6'6" giant last fought in October 2025, earning a decision win over British veteran David Allen.
When questioned about a possible Fury-Makhmudov clash, Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, hinted it was a possibility. “Maybe, we may do that [Makhmudov fight],” Warren told Box Nation, adding that Fury is an intelligent man who knows what he needs to do to prepare for a top-level return.
The final decision on Fury's opponent rests with his team, but the clock is ticking for an April date. Whether it's the academically-minded Moore or the formidable Makhmudov, the Gypsy King's return will be one of the most watched events in the 2026 boxing calendar.
