Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi boxing chief, has confirmed that Tyson Fury is planning a dramatic return to the ring in 2026, teasing the possibility of a third bout against Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury had announced his retirement from boxing for the fourth time in January, just a month after his rematch loss to Usyk took place in Saudi Arabia.
This came seven months after his initial defeat to Usyk in Riyadh, a classic 12-round contest where Fury lost his undefeated record and the WBC belt.
Following these close decision losses, the unpredictable “Gypsy King” initially appeared disillusioned and announced his retirement on Instagram.
Despite reports of training up to three times daily, the 36-year-old Fury had previously shown little interest in a comeback, even for a potential high-profile clash with Anthony Joshua.
However, his stance appeared to change during his recent visit to Turkey for the IBA pro boxing tournament, where he publicly challenged Usyk to a trilogy fight.
Soon after, Alalshikh, who was instrumental in bringing the two fights to Saudi Arabia, seemed to confirm he had successfully persuaded Fury to make another return.
The Saudi boxing head posted online: “The `Gypsy King` will be back!!! I talked with him, and I have his word to have him in Riyadh Season in 2026… We have a rabbit to hunt!”
Meanwhile, the 38-year-old Usyk is scheduled to face Daniel Dubois, 27, in a rematch at Wembley on July 19, with the undisputed title on the line following Usyk`s 2023 stoppage win over Dubois.
Fury, who famously referred to Usyk as “the rabbit” in 2022, seems intent on seeking revenge against the Ukrainian, potentially with a fight taking place in London.
He commented on the potential return: “Dubois is very young and ambitious. Usyk is very experienced. But he`s coming off two fights with me, which is debatable whether he won them or not, which he didn`t, but he got the decision which is all that matters.”
Fury continued, “If I was going to come back, I would come back for Usyk, but I want a fair result in England. That would be the fight I want next. I don`t want any favours, I want a fair fight and a fair result which I know I didn`t get. I thought I won that second fight by five rounds. I watched it literally 250 times and each way, I never see there`s a way he won. But, they can do what they want.”
Fury also mentioned that his wife, Paris, has given him her blessing for yet another return to the ring.
