The three-time world heavyweight champion has a hallowed place in the annals of boxing history. They are really rare and only the best manage to reach that status. When Tyson Fury returns to the sport, will he be able to join that august company?
Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield and Vitali Klitschko are legendary fighters who preceded Fury to become three-time world heavyweight champions.
Fury had two reigns as world heavyweight champion, after defeating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 and Deontay Wilder five years later.
After losing twice to Alexander Usyk in 2024 and being denied undisputed glory, Fury retired early last year. But he decided to come back and will box Aslanbek Mahmudov on April 11 in Great Britain.
His aim is to defeat Mahmudov and set himself up for a bigger fight later in 2026. Fury’s main British rival is Anthony Joshua, although it is unclear what AJ’s next move will be as he recovers from the loss of two friends in a car accident in Nigeria that also left him with minor injuries.
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Tyson Fury announced on Instagram that he is returning to the ring, and now a fight against Arslanbek Mahmudov in April has been confirmed.
Four major world titles are currently held between Usyk and Ipswich player Fabio Wardley. The Ukrainian is the unified WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight champion, while Wardley is the WBO champion.
Does Fury intend to return to the top of the division and win another heavyweight title? Top trainer and boxing expert Joe Gallagher believes that’s why Fury is coming back, he says Ski Sports: “I think that might be what motivates him, whoever is against it, we’ll have to sit back and see.”
Becoming a three-time heavyweight champion is a daunting feat, which is why few have accomplished it before, but Gallagher sees it as a possibility for Fury.
It all depends,” said the Manchester coach. “There’s talk of Fabio Wardley. It’s a good fight.
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Sky Sports’ Andy Scott explains why Tyson Fury is coming out of retirement and offers insight into his opponent Arslanbek Mahmudov.
“Obviously the big fight would be AJ, but then would it be third time lucky with Usyk? He’s got a lot of options open to him.”
“I wouldn’t write him off. I think he has the potential to be a three-time world champion.”
It would be difficult to win a trilogy fight with Usik. “It depends on how much time Usik catches up with. He himself had time off,” added Gallagher.
“Can (Fury win)? You can’t rule it out at heavyweight. Would he? Would he? I’m not sure. I don’t know if you meet someone who just has your number.”
Even the April fight against Mahmudov is not necessarily easy.
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Sky Sports Boxing’s Andy Scott and Gary Logan break down the potential heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Fabio Wardley.
“He’s got to be on the ball because this kid is coming to grab the opportunity with both hands. Kudos to Tyson Fury, taking on that kind of opponent,” Gallagher said. “He’s coming back with a tough opponent.
“(Mahmudov) comes forward in straight lines, I think Tyson Fury’s angles, boxing (movement and) boxing IQ (will win). But he can’t sit on the ropes straight because the kid can throw a good right hand, straight arrows at him.”
“Fair play to him, he didn’t fight back easily. He’s someone to be respected,” Gallagher added. “He is training in the snow.”
“We’ve seen a few fights where (Fury) came back, he got cuts, some of them he wasn’t racing.
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Tyson Fury shows off a new workout ahead of his return to boxing. Instagram credit: @tisonfuri.
Still, Gallagher welcomes Fury’s return. Boxing was a quieter sport in his absence.
“I just think enjoy him while he’s here for the rest of his career, whether it’s 12 months, 12 weeks or whatever,” he said. “As you know, he can wake up one morning and he’s retired, he’s packed everything.
“Boxing lacks character and when you have someone like Tyson Fury, he’s a character, he’s a good fighter and he probably wants a chance to become a three-time world champion.”