Tyson Fury returns - Who could be his comeback opponent?

Tyson Fury has confirmed his latest retirement is over as he is currently plotting another assault on the heavyweight division. 

The former world champion has been absent since December 2024 after he was defeated for a second time by Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia . 

Fury is back and he will be targeting world titles, but who could be in the opposite corner when Fury ends a lengthy period of inactivity in the first half of 2026. 

Fabio Wardley for WBO world title 

Could Fury land a world title fight on his immediate return? Stranger things have happened and if Fury is keen to become world champion straight away, then Fabio Wardley could be the fight to make. 

The Ipswich man was one of boxing’s best performers in 2025 as he scored impressive stoppages over Justis Huni and Joseph Parker, and he would have no issue testing himself against Fury. 

Wardley may be considered a tough task for someone returning after more than a year out, but if Fury is aiming high, then Wardley could be the man to call.  

Dave Allen 

If Fury is aiming to ease his way back into his run towards a third heavyweight title, then Dave Allen could be the man to provide him with some much-needed rounds. 

Allen is one of Britian’s most popular fighters and a showdown with Fury would ensure plenty of exposure for both men. 

The Doncaster man fell short in his last fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov, but would a fight with Fury motivate him to deliver a career-best performance? 

Arslanbek Makhmudov 

Powerful and dangerous, Makhmudov is well known to British fight fans after travelling to Sheffield last year and beating Dave Allen. 

That win gave Makhmudov a decent boost in the heavyweight rankings and he could be the ideal target fo Fury. 

Much slower than Fury, Makhmudov could be someone Fury could face to give himself rounds, but with the Eastern European also possessing big power, he would also keep Fury on his toes.

Sign up to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get PPV's included in your subscription 

Subscribe to DAZN's new Ultimate Tier to get a minimum of 12 PPV events included per year, including Lopez vs. Stevenson, on top of another 185 fight nights. Plus Serie A football, watch on multiple devices, and many more extra benefits.

Sign up for £22.99 in the UK / $44.99 in the U.S. More details here.