Heavyweight boxing legend Tyson Fury is plotting a remarkable and active return to the ring, with his manager revealing plans for the former champion to fight three times in 2026.
Fury's Ambitious Comeback Plan
Manager Spencer Brown has indicated that Fury, who performed a dramatic retirement U-turn in July, is back "loving boxing again" and is targeting a trio of bouts this year. This would be the first time the 37-year-old has fought three times in a single calendar year since 2018.
Fury has not stepped into the ring since his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in December 2024. After confirming his retirement last January, the 'Gypsy King' has since been training in Thailand with WBC bridgerweight champion Kevin Lerena, signalling his intent for a comeback.
Potential Opponents and a Tune-Up Fight
The plan, according to Brown, is for Fury to return before the end of April against a lesser opponent to "get his juices flowing," before targeting a major summer showdown. A homecoming fight in Manchester is a favoured option for his initial return.
One name strongly linked to that tune-up bout is Russian powerhouse Arslanbek Makhmudov. The 6'6" giant, whose last fight was a decision win over Britain's David Allen in October, is considered a frontrunner. "Makhmudov is one of the fights being talked about," Brown confirmed to iFL TV.
Fury's Hit List and Wardley's Challenge
Looking beyond his first fight back, Fury has a clear hit list. He has expressed interest in a trilogy fight with Usyk, a long-awaited clash with Anthony Joshua, and a bout with newly-crowned WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley.
Wardley, who won the interim belt from Joseph Parker in October before being promoted to full champion, has responded with keen interest. The Suffolk fighter told Sky Sports he is "extremely keen" to see if Fury's call-out is genuine, warning that he could prove to be a "banana skin" for the returning star.
Should this ambitious schedule come to fruition, it would mark Fury's most active period since 2018, when he fought Sefer Seferi, Francesco Pianeta, and drew with Deontay Wilder following his hiatus after dethroning Wladimir Klitschko in 2015.
