With Tyson Fury’s latest retirement already consigned to history, attention has quickly shifted to who will share the ring with him when he finally returns.
The former heavyweight champion has not fought since December 2024, when his bid to become Britain’s first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis ended in defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian edged a close decision in May before triumphing again seven months later, this time with only three world titles on the line.
With Usyk exploring a potential defence against Deontay Wilder and newly crowned WBO champion Fabio Wardley preparing for the first defence of his own belt, Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) knows any immediate title opportunities will have to wait. After 13 months out of the ring, the 36-year-old is instead expected to take a warm-up fight before launching another run at the top.
Names have now emerged as potential opponents. When Pro Boxing Fans put the rumoured trio of Arslanbek Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs), Efe Ajagba (20-1-1, 14 KOs) and Tony Yoka (15-3, 12 KOs) to Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown, his response was brief but telling.
“Yeah, they’re all in the mix.”
However, since the interview it has been reported by Dan Rafael that Ajaba — who last fought to a draw with Scotland-based Congolese contender Martin Bakole — will head up a Zuffa Bozing card in February, becoming one of the first batch to sign with Dana White and TKO.
While the final decision will rest with ‘The Gypsy King’, Brown insists Fury is eager to return and is showing encouraging signs in training as he prepares for the 38th bout of his professional career.
“It’s up to Tyson who he wants to fight, isn’t it? And I don’t think he cares which one of them he fights. He’s not bothered. But who makes sense? Who’s ready to go? I know Tyson’s ready to go. He’s training. He’s trained hard. He’s looking great. He’s laughing. He’s joking. He’s back to his old self.”
Makhmudov boosted his profile with a win over Brit Dave Allen in Sheffield last October. Yoka, a former Olympic gold medallist, has also entered the frame after signing with Queensberry and putting together a four-fight winning streak against modest opposition, as he attempts to reignite a professional career that has so far failed to match early expectations.
For Fury, the names may vary, but the objective remains the same: shake off the rust, remind the division of his presence, and position himself for one final tilt at heavyweight supremacy.
