Tyson Fury has announced that he will return to professional boxing in 2026, just 12 months after retiring from the sport for the fifth time.
The former heavyweight world champion made the announcement on Instagram, putting an end to months of speculation that followed the release of training videos he shared during the festive season.
“2026 is the year. Return of the Mac,” Fury wrote. “Been away for a while but I’m back now. 37 years old and still punching. Nothing better to do than punch men in the face and get paid for it.”
Fury last retired in January 2025, shortly after suffering his second straight points defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian outpointed him twice in 2024 in Saudi Arabia and Riyadh, denying the Briton the chance to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis.
Despite the setbacks, Fury holds an impressive professional record of 34 wins, two losses and one draw. He is a two-time world champion, having dethroned Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 and later defeating Deontay Wilder in 2020.
Now 37, Fury is no stranger to retirement announcements, having previously stepped away from boxing in 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2022, only to return each time.
A potential third bout with Usyk would still attract massive interest, while a long-anticipated all-British showdown with Anthony Joshua had been pencilled in for 2026. However, that fight is now in doubt following a recent car accident involving Joshua that claimed the lives of two close members of his team.
Commenting on the situation, Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, said Joshua’s future in boxing remains uncertain.
“This is a terrible time for everyone concerned,” Warren said. “I don’t even know if he will have the desire to fight again. Only time will tell.”
Fury also offered his condolences to Joshua, posting on social media: “This is so sad. May God give them a good bed in heaven.”
With his latest declaration, Fury appears poised for yet another comeback, with his sights set on becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion.
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