2026-01-23 12:05:33

Tyson Fury could fight Andy Ruiz Jr. this year.

The former world champion, 37, is back in training after reversing his retirement following consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, 39, and Ruiz Jr., 36, has now responded to his callout.

On social media, The Destroyer simply wrote: “Let’s go.”

Ruiz Jr. famously caused an upset by defeating Anthony Joshua, 36, in 2019 before losing the rematch later that year.

The Destroyer has also recently been linked to Usyk after Derek Chisora, 42, claimed The Cat had dropped Deontay Wilder, 40, in favour of Ruiz Jr.

Since announcing his return to boxing, Fury has set his sights on a number of potential candidates for his comeback fight, one of which being Arslanbek Makhmudov, 36.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Fury’s manager Spencer Brown said: “I’d sayMakhmudov is on the top three or four most definitely.

“We’re looking at five or six opponents. Yeah, he would be in the top.”

Brown added: “An announcement is imminent.”

The Lion, is emerging as the leading candidate for Fury’s comeback bout, with the 6ft 6in puncher viewed as a dangerous but marketable reintroduction after Fury’s time away.

Other names linked include Fabio Wardley, 31, Brandon Moore, also 31, and a potential return clash with Daniel Dubois, 28.

Ruiz Jr., however, represents a different commercial angle, as the former unified champion has not fought since August 2024, when he drew with Jarrell Miller, 37, following a long spell out of the ring.

A fight with Fury would immediately place him back in the title picture and offer Fury a high-profile opponent with a proven global profile.

Fury initially stepped away in December 2024 after losing twice on points to Usyk, but has since confirmed his intention to fight up to three times across 2026.

A world title opportunity has not been ruled out later in the year, with WBO champion Wardley among those mentioned as a possible route back to the belts.

A long-rumoured clash with Joshua, however, now appears off the table, with AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn recently admitting the fight is no longer a realistic discussion in the short term following the former heavyweight champion’s car crash last month.

Meanwhile, Usyk, has also stated he would consider a trilogy with Fury, but only if it led back to undisputed status.

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