Tyson Fury announced on Sunday, January 4, that he plans to come out of retirement and return to the ring in 2026. The 37-year-old former heavyweight champ last fought in December 2024, when he lost a unanimous decision to Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury’s announcement has reignited long-running speculation about a potential all-British showdown with Anthony Joshua. The renewed buzz comes months after Amir Khan weighed in on the matchup during an interview with Beltway Insider, calling a Fury–Joshua bout a must-see event for boxing fans.
Khan’s comments came during a broader conversation about the state of the sport, including Manny Pacquiao’s uncertain future. While discussing Pacquiao’s options after missing out on a potential fight with Rolly Romero, Khan shifted focus to the heavyweight division and the attention surrounding Fury and Joshua.
“That would be a fantastic fight,” Khan said of a potential Fury–Joshua clash at the time. “Two British heavyweights, even though they don’t have a title, I think it is a fight that the fans want to see. It would be the dream.”
The bout has been teased for years but never materialized, despite both men holding world titles during overlapping stretches of their careers. Now, with Fury returning to the ring, the possibility appears to be gaining traction again—this time as part of a major Riyadh Season event.
Khan suggested the matchup is closer than many might expect, even hinting that Joshua could be the slight favorite. “Styles make fights,” he explained. “A boxer vs a puncher—the contrast draws attention, and it would be a fantastic fight.”
He added that while Joshua looks the part physically, Fury remains a uniquely difficult opponent. “You look at Anthony Joshua, and he’s got the six-pack, the big arms, and everything. Then you look at Tyson Fury, and you would think it is a mismatch for Joshua, but that would be an incredible fight and a 50/50 fight.”
Despite Fury’s unconventional appearance, Khan warned against counting him out. “Tyson Fury’s a beast, he is unpredictable, and you never underestimate him,” he said. “When he needs to perform and put on a good show, he always does it. That is why people love to watch him, and that is why he puts bums on seats.”
Khan also pointed to Fury’s relationship with Saudi boxing officials as a key factor. “That’s why he has been paid so well from the Riyadh Season by Turki Alalshikh and Saudi Arabia,” Khan noted. “He takes risky fights and has done so well. Tyson thrives under pressure.”
Reports indicate that both Joshua and Fury would likely fight separately earlier in 2026 before meeting later in the year. If those plans stay intact, one of boxing’s most elusive matchups may finally become reality.