Tyson Fury’s Boxing Comeback in Doubt: "Never" Returning to the Ring?
In a surprising turn of events, Tyson Fury has cast doubt on his boxing comeback during an interview at Doncaster racecourse on Saturday. The reigning heavyweight champion boldly claimed he will "never" step back into the ring. These statements come despite recent confirmations from Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh regarding Fury’s anticipated return.
In June, Alalshikh excitedly announced on social media, "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!" The term "rabbit" refers to Oleksandr Usyk, Fury’s rival, who has defeated him in their last two encounters.
Fury quickly shared Alalshikh’s post on his own social media, adding, "Let’s see what 2026 brings," accompanied by dollar signs and laughing emojis. However, during his recent interview with Sky Sports, Fury seemed to contradict this optimism. When asked about a potential return to boxing, he firmly replied, "Never!" He humorously added, "Really. I’m too old; look at my beard, it’s all grey. Boxing’s a young man’s game."
When the reporter suggested that Fury might consider taking up racehorse ownership instead, he responded, "Maybe. Who knows?"
This latest announcement marks yet another twist in the saga of Fury’s retirement status. Just recently, he was vocal about wanting a trilogy fight with the undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, despite having lost both previous matches. Following Usyk’s victory over Daniel Dubois, Fury expressed his determination on social media, stating, "Congratulations to both men, but Usyk knows there is only one man who can beat him. I’ve done it twice before, and the world knows it."
Fury continued, "I’m not f*****g at some boxing match; I’m out on the road running. I came home, did my job, and got myself back. I’m the man. I’m the Spartan. No matter what anyone wants to say, I won those fights, guaranteed, 100 percent."
Meanwhile, Usyk is obligated to face Joseph Parker in a mandatory title bout, but negotiations have yet to begin, leaving the door open for Fury’s return. Another highly anticipated matchup could be an all-English showdown against Anthony Joshua. Joshua, who has been out of action since his September loss to Dubois and underwent elbow surgery, is now ready to return to the ring.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, hinted at the possibility of Joshua facing Fury twice before retiring, stating, "If I’m advising AJ, I’m thinking, ‘We’re back this year, two Tyson Fury fights. What else is there to do?’" Hearn emphasized that defeating Fury twice would allow Joshua to "sail off into the sunset," having achieved everything in the sport.
As the boxing world watches closely, fans are left to wonder if we will ever see Tyson Fury back in the ring or if his retirement is indeed final. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!
