Tyson Fury's boxing career has taken a significant turn as the former heavyweight champion announced his retirement earlier this year. The retirement, which came in January 2025 following his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, has spurred conversations about potential comebacks, particularly with discussions of a lucrative showdown against Anthony Joshua.
Ricky Hatton, a close friend and former champion, believes that Fury could be tempted back into the ring under the right circumstances. In his view, a lucrative offer for a match with Joshua could lure the 'Gypsy King' back from retirement, a position he has held before. “Tyson’s retired before,” Hatton commented during an interview. “It just so happens they were trying to make the Joshua fight. They were trying to make it for ten years, and it looks like they’re still not going to make it now Tyson’s retired.”
Fury has a history of declaring retirement, having previously stepped away from the sport in 2013 after a bout against David Haye was canceled and again in 2022 after his victory over Dillian Whyte. Hatton expressed skepticism about Fury's retirement being permanent, noting the heavyweight's competitive nature and the allure of high-stakes fights. “If he gets offered the right money, the right purse for the AJ fight, knowing Tyson as I do, I think he'd jump at it,” said Hatton.
Hatton's insight is rooted in their long-standing friendship — he played a critical role in helping Fury regain his fitness after a three-year hiatus following his victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2015. The two have a deep bond, forged through their similar experiences in the sport and their shared understanding of its demands. Referring to the potential office retirement could leave on Fury's legacy, Hatton remarked, “I think Tyson will kick himself if he’s sat on his sofa 10 years down the line thinking: 'I wonder what would have happened if I’d have fought AJ?'”
Recently, Tyson Fury has been in the news for multiple reasons, one being Oleksandr Usyk’s intention to pursue a rematch against Daniel Dubois. Their first fight in August 2023 created controversy, with Usyk looking to solidify his stance as the heavyweight champion while Dubois is eager for redemption. Meanwhile, Joseph Parker has been named the mandatory challenger for Usyk's WBO title.
On the other hand, Anthony Joshua is currently on the hunt for a new opponent after his stunning knockout defeat to Dubois, which ended his four-fight winning streak. Promoter Eddie Hearn spoke to the press, revealing a list of potential opponents for Joshua, including Dubois himself, Parker, and even heavyweight legends like Agit Kabayel and Deontay Wilder. “In an ideal world, he will fight Fury; if not, Dubois,” Hearn stated. The pressure is on to finalize a matchup for Joshua's return to the ring this summer, marking a pivotal moment for his career.
This convergence of events has reignited interest in a potential Fury vs. Joshua showdown. Boxers, fans, and analysts alike are speculating if Fury will make another return, especially given how both he and Joshua have had their own ups and downs in recent years. The anticipated bout has been discussed in boxing circles for almost a decade — and its eventual occurrence could finally be a reality in the coming years.
In sum, boxing enthusiasts are left waiting while the heavyweight division buzzes with anticipation. Questions about Fury's retirement, Joshua's next step, and Usyk's ambitions fill the air, which could transform the landscape of boxing in the near future.
