Tyson Fury returns! Why former heavyweight world champion is coming back and where it could lead
Tyson Fury has announced his competitive return to the sport; The former world heavyweight champion lost to Oleksandr Usyk twice in 2024 and retired at the start of the following year; But he will now fight again in April and look to return to the summit of the heavyweight division
Wednesday 28 January 2026 17:39, UK
The key questions answered ahead of Tyson Fury's comeback...
What is happening?
Tyson Fury is back. The former two-time heavyweight world has brought his retirement to an end. He will return on April 11 to fight Arslanbek Makhmudov.
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Was this inevitable?
It's not the first time Fury has retired and unretired. In 2022 he retired after beating Dillian Whyte, he was back to box Derek Chisora a third time before the year was out.
While this retirement lasted for the entirety of 2025, speculation had continued to mount that Fury would indeed come back. One day Fury will have to retire for good, but that for the timebeing is on the backburner.
His heart remains in boxing, and it's hard for him to leave the sport behind when he can still have an impact.
Where will the fight be?
It will take place in the UK and be broadcast on Netflix. The location and venue though will be announced later.
Where is Fury training?
Fury has been providing regular social media updates from his training in Thailand. Through his career he has often gone into camp overseas as well as using gyms closer to home in Morecambe. Sugarhill Steward has been his trainer since his second fight with Deontay Wilder. While they have yet to link up for this fight there is still plenty of time to go before April 11.
Who is Aslanbek Makhmudov?
The Russian, based in Canada, is a strong heavyweight contender who has only lost to good quality opposition: Agit Kabayel, now the WBC Interim titlist, and Olympian Guido Vianello.
Those defeats however were stoppage losses.
Makhmudov though dominated Britain's popular Dave Allen in Sheffield in his most recent fight to reposition himself in the division.
Can he be a threat?
Makmudov is a hard puncher. Of his 21 professional wins, 19 have come inside the distance. He's particularly dangerous early on with a host of first round knockouts. That could be a risk to a comebacking Fury looking to shake off any ringrust, but the Briton will be a heavy favourite.
Where would a win take Fury?
Fury is looking to prepare for a bigger fight later in the year. Anthony Joshua is his longstanding rival, but after surviving a horrific tragedy last month it's too soon to say when or indeed if AJ will return to the sport.
A WBO heavyweight world title bout with Fabio Wardley however appeals to both Fury and the new champion.
Can a third fight with Oleksandr Usyk happen?
Usyk has already beaten Fury twice. But they were hard-fought top level contests. We didn't necessarily need a third Tyson Fury versus Deontay Wilder fight but that proved to be the most spectacular of their series. And neither Fury nor Usyk has ruled out doing the trilogy.
What happens if Fury loses?
It would be a disaster and end prospective super-fights with Wardley or Usyk. It might send Fury back into retirement. But the former champion would still have the name recognition and influence to secure other high profile opportunities. YouTuber turned fighter Jake Paul managed to go six rounds with Anthony Joshua after all. In today's world then, Tyson Fury also boxing Paul might not be beyond the realms of possibility…
