Boxing fans hoping to see Tyson Fury back in the ring any time soon might want to lower expectations.
The former WBC heavyweight king hasn’t been seen since his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk earlier this year, a loss that prompted yet another retirement announcement. As always with Fury, though, talk of walking away was quickly followed by hints of a comeback – this time angling for a trilogy with the Ukrainian.
But after Anthony Joshua called him out this week with a fiery challenge, Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has confirmed one thing: don’t expect him back before 2026.
“At the moment, he’s certainly not fighting this year,” Warren told IFL TV. “If Tyson decides he wants to fight next year, he’ll make his decision.”
That puts any immediate Fury–Joshua showdown firmly on ice. Joshua, who’s also plotting his own return after being stopped by Daniel Dubois, had publicly ripped into Fury and demanded a grudge fight in summer 2026.
Eddie Hearn, the man who’s been trying for years to make the all-British blockbuster happen, still believes there’s a window to get it done before both men hang up the gloves.
“All that’s in my mind in an ideal scenario is to fight Tyson Fury next year,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “That’s the big focus. But common sense and Fury’s decisions don’t always gel together.”
For now, the ball is in Fury’s court. Fans have heard retirement talk before. They’ve heard comeback talk too. The only certainty? The wait for Fury vs AJ goes on.
