Fury said in a post announcing his return: “I’ve been away for a while, but now I’m back. At 37 years old, I’m still punching.”
Published January 4, 2026
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has announced his return to boxing after retiring from boxing in December 2024 after losing to Oleksandr Usyk in a bout with three of the four world titles on the line.
The British star confirmed his return in a post on social media, raising the possibility of a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua.
Fury posted on Instagram: “2026 is the year. Mack is back.”
“I was away for a while, but now I’m back. Even at 37 years old, I’m still punching,” he said. “There’s nothing better than punching a man in the face and getting paid for it.”
Before the two fights with Usyk, Fury was undefeated in 35 fights with 34 wins and one draw.
Fury did not mention a potential opponent, but his announcement comes as speculation increases about a matchup with British rival Joshua in 2026. Joshua, a former world champion, knocked out YouTube star Jake Paul last month. However, his immediate plans are unclear after he was injured in a car accident in Nigeria this week that killed two of his friends.
Fury is a two-time world champion. He ended Wladimir Klitschko’s reign with a points victory in 2015 and was crowned Super WBA, IBF and WBO champion.
He didn’t fight again until 2018, but a thrilling trilogy with American Deontay Wilder saw him win the WBC title with one draw and two wins.
Fury previously said he would retire after defeating Dillian Whyte in 2022, but returned to the ring the following year.
The fight with Joshua has been expected for a long time. There is also the possibility of a trilogy-closing fight with Usyk or a matchup with WBO champion Fabio Wardley.
