6 Potential Opponents for Tyson Fury in 2026: What You Need to Know

Tyson Fury announced his return to boxing in early January, ending a retirement that had lasted nearly a year. The Gypsy King last fought in December 2024 when he dropped a second consecutive decision to Ukrainian heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury has stated his desire for a third fight with Usyk, and while it remains to be seen whether a trilogy will come to fruition, the former lineal champion certainly has no shortage of options for potential opponents. In fact, Fury’s manager has laid out an ambitious plan for the British heavyweight to fight three times in 2026. Here are six boxers whom the British heavyweight could clash with in 2026.

Arslanbek Makhmudov

Fury will likely be targeting a big-money fight later in the year, but he may first look to shake off the rust with a lower-profile opponent. Fury’s manager confirmed as much, saying his team is looking at several less risky opponents, one of whom is Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov.

Makhmudov stands nearly 6’6” and has professional record of 21-2, with 19 of his wins coming by knockout. He most recently scored a unanimous decision against David Allen and, prior to that, a first-round TKO of Richard Brown. Nicknamed “Lion,” he is currently the 26th-ranked heavyweight in the world, according to BoxRec.

Tony Yoka

Since dropping three consecutive close decisions in 2022 and 2023, the 31st-ranked heavyweight in the world has run off four consecutive victories, three of which have come by knockout. Yoka most recently scored a first-round knockout of Patrick Korte to bring his professional record to 15-3.

Fury’s manager indicated the French heavyweight was another possibility for the Gypsy King’s first fight back, saying the 33-year-old is “in the mix.” For Fury, it would be a chance to take down a boxer who was a gold medalist at the 2016 Olympics.

Agit Kabayel

A significant step-up in risk for Fury would be this German heavyweight. Ranked No. 2 by BoxRec, Agit Kabayel is 27-0 with 19 knockouts. He most recently fought on January 10, when he defeated the previously unbeaten Damian Knyba by third-round technical knockout.

For the 33-year-old Kabayel, the stoppage over Knyba marked his sixth consecutive knockout victory, a run that includes wins over Zhilei Zhang, Frank Sanchez, and Makhmudov. Kabayel holds the WBC interim belt and is a star in his native Germany—a fight with Fury would give him a chance to raise his popularity even more. If he and Fury end up colliding, the winner may be in line for a shot against Usyk.

Fabio Wardley

One of three boxers Fury himself has said he wants to fight in 2026, Fabio Wardley claimed the WBO interim title with an 11th-round TKO of Joseph Parker in October 2025. He was elevated to full champion in November after Usyk vacated, thus making Wardley perhaps the quickest route to Fury claiming his third world heavyweight championship.

Wardley is certainly no pushover, however. Over 21 bouts, the 31-year-old has 20 victories, with 19 coming by knockout. The only blemish on his record, a 2024 split draw with Frazer Clarke, was one he avenged with authority later that year when he beat Clarke by first-round TKO.

From a financial perspective, the bout makes sense: Wardley and Fury are both English, meaning the matchup will be a draw in their home country. Queensbury Promotions also represents both, thus easing the negotiations. Fury said he wants the “big smoke” Wardley would bring. By year’s end, we’ll see if he gets it.

Anthony Joshua

Boxing fans have long been clamoring for a mega-fight between the two greatest British heavyweights of their generation. While the pair never stepped into the ring together in their primes, the time finally seemed right for the long-awaited clash upon Fury’s return, with the Gypsy King himself saying he wants Joshua.

Then came a car crash in late December 2025 that left Joshua injured as well as killed two members of his team. AJ has not yet spoken publicly about the tragedy, and it remains to be seen whether the 36-year-old will return to the sport. Even if he does, Fury may have to look elsewhere for an opponent for the time being.

Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk is the reigning lineal heavyweight champion and the holder of the WBC and IBF titles. He is 24-0 for his career and is regarded as perhaps the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

He is also the man who handed Fury the only two losses of his career, having outpointed the Briton twice in 2024. With the initial win, Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years.

Fury has made clear he wants to dance again with the champion, but the question remains whether Usyk has anything left to prove against a man he’s already beaten twice, albeit by relatively close decisions. With Usyk most recently targeting a matchup with Deontay Wilder, Fury has an opportunity to prove against other competition that he’s deserving of another shot at the crown.