MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Tyson Fury will return to action after announcing his retirement Sunday.
The former heavyweight world champion confirmed his return in a social media post, setting the stage for a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua.
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“2026 is the year. Mac returns,” Fury posted on Instagram. “Been away for a while, but I’m back now, 37 years old, still boxing. There’s nothing better than punching a man in the face and getting paid for it.”
Fury retired last year after losing to Alexander Usyk for the second time in December 2024. Prior to his two fights with Usyk, he was undefeated in 35 fights, winning 34 and drawing one.
Fury made no mention of a potential opponent, but his announcement comes amid growing speculation about a 2026 clash with British rival Joshua. Joshua is also a former world champion, having defeated YouTube star Jake Paul last month. But this week he was involved in a fatal car accident in Nigeria that killed two of his friends, leaving him with uncertainty about his immediate plans.
Fury is a two-time world champion. In 2015, he ended Wladimir Klitschko’s reign with a points win and was crowned Super WBA, IBF and WBO champion.
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He didn’t fight again until 2018, but a thrilling trilogy with American Deontay Wilder ended in a draw and two wins for the WBC title.
Fury had 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 long anticipated. A trilogy match with Usyk or a clash with WBO champion Fabio Wardley are also possibilities.
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James Robson at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson
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AP Sports: https://apnews.com/sports