Sports
Tyson Fury names the man he wants to face for ‘big test’ this year: “It would be a massive fight”
Tyson Fury has confirmed his target for later this year, hoping to deliver a ‘massive spectacle’ after an expected ring return in April.
‘The Gypsy King’ announced the end of his year-long retirement earlier this month, revealing several social media clips of himself training in Thailand.
Since then, the 37-year-old’s manager, Spencer Brown, has told Sky Sports that around five or six potential opponents are being explored for his comeback fight.
One of whom is Arslanbek Makhmudov, who comes off a unanimous decision victory over Dave Allen in October and has seemingly emerged as a frontrunner to face Fury.
The Morecambe man, meanwhile, has not fought since his second points defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024, which followed a split decision loss to the Ukrainian earlier that year.
So now, it would seem that the plan is for Fury to dust off the cobwebs against a comeback opponent, perhaps Makhmudov, before diving back into the deep end of heavyweight competition.
The matchup that British fans remain desperate to see, it seems, is Fury against Anthony Joshua, though ‘AJ’ is still yet to confirm his future after being involved in a tragic car crash in Nigeria.
Alternatively, Fury has named WBO titlist Fabio Wardley as his ideal opponent for a ‘big test’ later this year, hoping to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.
Taking to Instagram earlier today, the 6ft 9in giant insisted that, as long as they come through their respective next assignments, then an all-British showdown with Wardley should represent a genuine possibility.
“Like I said, let’s see how I am looking in my return fight, then later in 2026 this would be a good option for me to try [and] become [three-time] heavyweight champion.
“[Wardley] has a hard fight himself coming up soon. I know the fight you guys all want but, at this time, I won’t say his name out of respect, as he is in mourning.
“But if he is not going to continue in boxing, I’d like Big Fab as a big test. This would be a massive spectacle! 2026 is the year of our lord Jesus Christ.”
Wardley comes off an 11th-round finish over Joseph Parker in October, after which he was elevated from interim to full WBO champion following Usyk’s decision to relinquish the world title.
