2026-01-20 10:31:37

Tyson Fury’s planned return to the ring in 2026 is great for boxing and The Gypsy King is “still in his prime”, Eddie Hearn has said.

The former heavyweight champion, 37, confirmed last month that he will be putting the gloves back on later this year – 12 months after announcing his latest retirement following a second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, 39 – and Hearn has hailed Fury’s return as a good thing for the sport.

Speaking to Sky Sports about who Fury could face in his comeback fight, the Matchroom Boxing promoter said: “It’s an interesting one. I guess on one hand, you want to prepare yourself for a challenge against an elite guy.

“And on the other hand, you’re coming back after a long lay-off. You maybe don’t want too much of a taxing challenge.

“I know some of the names that are in the mix, and I’ll leave that to [Saudi promoter] Turki [Alalshikh] and Tyson Fury to mention those guys. We’ve got guys that would be up for the challenge.”

Fury has not fought since losing a close points decision to Usyk in December 2024 – a result that followed a narrow split-decision defeat seven months earlier.

Despite those setbacks, Hearn dismissed any suggestion that the heavyweight is past his best.

He said: “I think he’s an incredible fighter. I think he’s brilliant for the game. And he can be involved in some huge fights.

“And by the way, he’s still in his prime. He lost two very close fights to Oleksandr Usyk. It’s not like, ‘Oh, he’s finished now.’”

Hearn also pointed to Fury’s renewed enthusiasm for training, with the former WBC champion sharing frequent updates from his camp as he prepares for a potential comeback bout around April.

The Gypsy King has been running daily and has spoken openly about the importance of routine and physical work.

Hearn said: “Boxing can save you at many different stages in your life. I don’t think he was at a stage where he needed saving, but you could tell that boxing once saved him, probably many times.

“Now he looks happier than ever and full of life. Even away from boxing, physical training is the greatest form of mental help you can get in so many different situations.”

Potential opponents for Fury’s return continue to be discussed, with American heavyweight Brandon Moore, 31, among those linked as a possible warm-up fight.

Bigger names, including Anthony Joshua, 36, Fabio Wardley, 31, and even a trilogy bout with Usyk, have also been mentioned for later in the year.

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