Tyson Fury confirms his return to the boxing ring in 2026 as heavyweight division waits on Anthony Joshua’s future in London

Tyson Fury is officially done with retirement — again.

After a year away from professional boxing, the former heavyweight champion has confirmed he’ll be lacing up the gloves in 2026.

At 37, Fury insists the fire is still there, and judging by his recent social media activity, he hasn’t exactly been living the quiet retired life.

Retirement Didn’t Stick for the Gypsy King

Fury walked away from the sport last January following his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, a tight and bruising contest that marked the end of his reign at the top of the heavyweight division.

At the time, the announcement felt final.

But for a fighter who thrives on drama and defies predictability, the goodbye was never likely to last.

Training Clips and a Message That Said It All

Over the festive period, fans began to notice Fury posting training videos again — pad work, movement drills, the familiar rhythm of a boxer who never truly stopped.

On Sunday, he removed any doubt with a blunt Instagram message confirming his return this year, joking about being back to “punch men in the face and get paid for it.”

The Joshua Question Still Hanging in the Air

Naturally, attention immediately turned to Anthony Joshua.

A long-discussed all-British showdown between the two has hovered over the heavyweight scene for years, with both camps previously indicating progress in negotiations.

But right now, boxing plans are the least of Joshua’s concerns.

A Tragedy That Changed Everything

Joshua’s future in the ring has been thrown into serious doubt following a devastating car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two men close to him — strength coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Kevin Latif “Latz” Ayodele.

The incident has shaken the boxing world and left many questioning whether Joshua will ever return to competition.

Frank Warren Voices Concern

Fury’s promoter Frank Warren acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stressing that while Joshua may recover physically, the mental toll could be far more significant.

According to Warren, only time will tell whether Joshua has the desire to fight again, given what he’s been through.

Fury Pays His Respects

Despite being potential rivals, Fury took a moment to publicly honor Ghami and Ayodele, offering heartfelt words and wishing them peace.

It was a rare quiet moment from a man known for bravado, underlining how deeply the tragedy has resonated across the sport.

Joshua’s Public Tribute to His Friends

On Sunday, Joshua shared a somber post on social media, showing himself surrounded by family, including his mother, with a framed photo of Ghami held close.

His caption, “My Brother’s Keeper,” spoke volumes about the bond he shared with the men he lost.

Funerals and a Return Home

The funerals for Ghami and Ayodele are taking place today at a mosque in London.

Joshua returned to the UK on Friday night and has been resting at his home, trying to recover physically and emotionally from the ordeal.

A Narrow Escape Revealed

Earlier this week, it emerged that Joshua narrowly avoided death himself.

Just before the crash, he made a last-minute decision to swap seats inside the Lexus SUV, moving from the front to the back.

The collision happened hours after the group arrived in Nigeria for what was meant to be a holiday.

Courtroom Details Add More Shock

The case against Joshua’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has added further layers to the story.

Court proceedings revealed the driver allegedly didn’t hold a valid licence and has denied charges of dangerous driving, claiming brake failure caused the crash.

He has been granted bail under Nigeria’s legal system.

A Hospital Stay Fit for a Champion

Following the crash, Joshua was treated at one of Nigeria’s most exclusive hospitals, where his mother rushed to be by his side.

The facility offers luxury inpatient care, complete with private suites, round-the-clock medical attention, and five-star amenities more often associated with elite hotels than hospitals.

Boxing Waits While Lives Come First

While Fury gears up for a comeback year, the heavyweight division remains clouded by uncertainty.

One man is eager to fight again. Another is grieving unimaginable loss.

For now, the sport takes a back seat — and the future will unfold when the time is right.

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