Key Highlights
- Frank Warren confirms Tyson Fury’s intention to return in 2026 after a short-lived retirement.
- Oleksandr Usyk’s next fight is expected in the second quarter of 2026, potentially against Tyson Fury for a trilogy match.
- British boxing has longed for a mega-fight between Fury and Anthony Joshua.
- Turki Alalshikh mentioned that Fury had promised to box again in 2026, but Fury denied it recently.
Fury’s Return and Usyk’s Future: The Road Ahead for Heavyweights
Uncrowned’s “The Ariel Helwani Show” revealed that Tyson Fury is set to return to the ring in 2026, following a short-lived retirement. Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, stated that the former two-time heavyweight champion has communicated his intention to box again next year.
Fury’s Retirement and Future Plans
Since back-to-back defeats at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, Fury hasn’t fought. According to Warren, Fury is currently filming a Netflix series and has another documentary project. However, “next year, he’s stated to me that he wants to come back,” said Warren.
Usyk’s Upcoming Match
Oleksandr Usyk is expected to have his next fight in the second quarter of 2026. The WBO has ordered him to defend his title against the winner of Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley’s upcoming fight. Should Usyk vacate the title, it will be stripped from him.
Warren’s Promotional Plans
Frank Warren, representing many top heavyweights in boxing, aims to promote a heavyweight-heavy card on December 13 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. He hopes to announce this event during the Parker vs. Wardley DAZN pay-per-view broadcast.
TKO’s Impact and Future of Boxing
The arrival of TKO, the parent company of UFC, WWE, and Zuffa Boxing, has brought significant changes to boxing. Following the California State Athletic Commission’s unanimous support for the Ali Revival Act, there are concerns about potential rule changes, such as new ring sizes or glove designs.
Industry Context and Analysis
Turki Alalshikh had mentioned in July that Fury promised to box again in 2026. However, Fury has denied this claim recently. Despite financial security and his wife’s concerns about his health, Fury expressed a desire to return now rather than in the future.
Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s return could reignite interest in British boxing, particularly with a possible trilogy match against Oleksandr Usyk.
The industry is watching closely as TKO plans significant changes that could reshape the sport fundamentally.
The Ali Revival Act aims to protect boxers’ welfare and well-being, but it also opens up new possibilities for rule changes. Frank Warren, with decades of experience in boxing promotion, emphasizes the importance of ensuring boxer safety remains a top priority.
