Tyson Fury names dream comeback fight - and it's not Anthony Joshua
Tyson Fury is reportedly keen on making a return to the ring in 2026, but the British heavyweight has no plans to face Anthony Joshua in his comeback fight
Tyson Fury has dealt Anthony Joshua a setback after declaring his intention to meet Oleksandr Usyk for a third encounter.
This comes from the Brit's promoter, Frank Warren, who disclosed that the 'Gypsy King' won't hang about waiting for Joshua. Fury, 37, declared his retirement from the sport in January following consecutive losses to Usyk last year.
The former two-time heavyweight world champion shocked supporters in July with a dramatic retirement reversal, only to announce he had no intention of fighting just weeks afterwards. However, it appears the heavyweight legend is once more determined to stage another comeback, reports All Out Fighting.
With Fury poised to return to the ring in 2026, Warren told Sky Sports: "He's got to confirm it and sit down and work out when it's going to be. If we do that then I'll be delighted we can announce it. But he's indicated to me and I know to a lot of people that he does want to carry on. So we'll see."
After Joshua's devastating loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, many in the boxing world expected both 'AJ' and Fury would finally square off. The duo have exchanged war of words for numerous years, though a bout between them has never come to fruition. While an all-British clash tops many fans' wish lists, Warren acknowledges it remains possible, but stresses his fighter is entirely concentrated on a trilogy bout with Usyk.
"He may do that. There's a lot of talk about Joshua, there's a lot of talk about Joshua having a tune-up up so there's no way he's going to sit around waiting," Warren said.
READ MORE: Fabio Wardley watched Joseph Parker fight in the pub - now he's taking on rivalREAD MORE: Conor Benn removed from world rankings ahead of Chris Eubank Jr fightThe seasoned promoter continued: "The fight he really wants is another go with Mr. Usyk, he really wants that. And they were great fights, really close fights, to watch. I'd watch that again. That's the fight he wants. That's the one he talks about all the time. He hasn't got a lot of miles on the clock. He's nobody's fool, he's a very smart guy, he knows better than you and me what he's got left.
"He's a fighting man and if he decides that he's going to move forward and do it, he'll do it. He's not a stupid guy who's clutching at straws. He'll only fight if he feels he can do it."
Joshua could be set to return before the year concludes. 'AJ' has been out of action for most of 2025 owing to an elbow problem, but is desperate to get back into competitive action. Concerning his next bout, an adversary has yet to be confirmed, but promoter Eddie Hearn recently disclosed he wants his star client to face a "top-20 guy" before eventually taking on Fury - or another big name - next summer.
When is the next boxing event?
Kieron Conway is set to square off against George Liddard on Friday, 17 October at York Hall, Bethnal Green. The main undercard is expected to kick off around 7pm UK time (11am ET / 8am PT / 10am CT). In the headline event, Liddard will be the first to enter the ring at approximately 10pm UK time (5pm ET / 2pm PT / 4pm CT), with Conway following shortly after.
Please note that all fight times are subject to change and depend on the duration of the undercard. All the action will be broadcast live on DAZN. This popular streaming platform can be accessed as an additional subscription on televisions, or streamed live via the official website or downloadable app. A DAZN subscription costs £119.99 annually or £14.99 per month, or there's a flexible £24.99 option that can be cancelled at any time.
