Tyson Fury Ends Retirement, Is It The Right Move?

Fury wants to run things back with Usyk, but the Ukrainian is currently in advanced negotiations for a clash with Deontay Wilder, making a third Fury fight unlikely for the first half of the year. A fight with Anthony Joshua is also unlikely.

AJ is currently in mourning following a fatal car accident in Nigeria on December 29, 2025, which claimed the lives of two of his closest team members. While WBO Heavyweight World Champion Fabio Wardley is an option, that is a risky fight.

Is It The Right Move?

The primary concern is the long-term health of a fighter who has already endured heavy punishment. Fury is 37 years old and has been in grueling wars, most notably his trilogy with Deontay Wilder and the two recent defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. By returning, Fury risks turning what could be a healthy retirement into a something worse.

Fury has retired and un-retired multiple times. This ‘marketing’ tactic eventually fatigues the fans and devalues the weight of an announcement. If Fury enters a high-profile “tune-up” fight or a bloated exhibition, he takes eyes and resources away from the next generation of heavyweights who are currently in their physical prime. This is often viewed as a “bad” reason to return to a dangerous sport.

Fury has been open about his battles with depression and addiction. For many athletes, the “void” of retirement is terrifying. Returning to boxing solely because he has “nothing better to do” suggests he is using the ring as a temporary fix to combat the lack of a clear plan for when he retires.