Tyson Fury has announced his plans to return to boxing in 2026, marking his comeback a year after stepping away from the sport.

The 37-year-old former heavyweight champion retired last January following a narrow loss to Oleksandr Usyk, a fight that further cemented Usyk’s dominance in the division.

Recently, Fury has stirred excitement with hints of a return, sharing training videos on social media over the holiday season. On Sunday, he confirmed he would indeed re-enter the ring this year.

It remains uncertain if Fury will face longtime rival Anthony Joshua. A bout between the two renowned British heavyweights has been anticipated for years, with both camps previously reporting encouraging discussions.

However, Joshua’s future in the ring is in question after a tragic car accident in Nigeria, where two of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, tragically lost their lives.

Tyson Fury has confirmed he is returning to boxing 12 months after retiring from the sport

The Gypsy King, 37, has not fought since he lost to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024

‘This is an awful time for everyone involved and hopefully AJ has come out of it physically well,’ Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, told ITV News.

‘But mentally is another issue. I don’t even know if he’ll have the appetite to fight again or if he will fight again, that is something that only time will tell.’

Fury, who has been managed by Warren since February 2019, himself paid tribute to Joshua’s friends Sina and Latif – who he wished would be given ‘a good bed in heaven’. 

On Sunday, AJ posted a photo on social media in remembrance of Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

In the upload, Joshua can be seen sat with his mother and family, with one person clutching a framed photograph of Ghami.

He captioned the post: ‘My Brothers Keeper’.

The well-known phrase is used when someone wants to show they will support and care for others, who they accept responsibility for.

The funerals of Joshua’s strength coach Ghami and his personal trainer ‘Latz’ will take place today at a mosque in London.

Joshua arrived at London Stansted Airport on Friday night and has been recuperating at his mansion.

Fury was unhappy with the result and decided to walk away from boxing

Earlier this week Daily Mail Sport exclusively revealed how Joshua had cheated death following a last-minute decision, before the Lexus SUV he travelled in set off for its tragic journey.

The World Champion boxer, 36, swapped seats from the front to the back of his SUV ahead of the smash which killed Ghami and Ayodele just hours after they arrived in Nigeria for a holiday.

In addition, Joshua’s driver did not have a valid driver’s licence before the smash on Nigeria’s most deadly road which hospitalised the multi-millionaire boxer.

The jaw-dropping revelation emerged at the hearing for his driver Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 47, in Sagamu High Court on Friday, during which he denied all charges against him, including dangerous driving.

Kayode was wearing a black Muslim kaftan and pleaded not guilty when the charges were read out to him by the clerk as members of his family attended. He claims he is innocent and the brakes failed.

Kayode, who has worked for Joshua for more than three years, was granted bail and rushed away by police to Sagamu Correctional Centre for paperwork to be completed.

The driver’s lawyer Olalekan Abiodun told the Daily Mail: ’My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident, I haven’t had a full chance to speak with him yet but I know he is saying the brakes did not work.

‘I also understand that the journey started in Lagos and that initially Anthony had got into the front seat but the driver asked him to swap seats.‘

Fury had been in talks to fight AJ but the mega-bout has been thrown into uncertainty following a tragic car crash which saw Joshua’s two close friends lose their lives

‘He did this because Anthony is a big fellow and he couldn’t see the wing mirror properly so he asked him to move and he sat behind the driver.

‘From what I understand Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony.’

Bail was set at 5 million Naira (£2,580) but under the Nigerian system this doesn’t have to be cash and valuables are admissible.

Joshua’s mother rushed to his bedside earlier this week at one of Nigeria’s best hospitals as he recovered from his injuries.

The exclusive hospital boasts an elite service dubbed the Harley Street Practice, located on the sixth floor, which offers Duchess Royal Suites for VIP inpatients.

The hospital states that the facilities offer a ‘unique hospitality experience to our clients, offering a combination of outstanding patient care with the luxury of five-star accommodation and privacy.’

Patients receive one-to-one care for 24-hours a day and have access to medical personnel and hospitality staff.

They also receive gourmet meals fully catered to their taste. The basic packages for the Royal Suite with ensuite bathroom facilities starts at £2,000.