Tyson Fury: Joshua tragedy prompted my comeback, says heavyweight champion
Tyson Fury has revealed that the fatal car crash that injured Anthony Joshua and killed two members of his team was the key factor in his decision to return from retirement. The former two-time world heavyweight champion will face unbeaten Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11, 2026 (ET) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, ending a 15-month absence from the ring.
‘Tomorrow might not ever come’ — Fury explains his decision
Fury used stark language at a press conference to describe the moment he decided to make a comeback. "Tomorrow might not ever come, " he said, explaining that hearing of the tragedy while on holiday crystallised his thinking. He said the incident made him confront the fragility of life and prompted him to stop postponing what he enjoys.
Fury had announced his retirement at the start of 2025 following his second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk at the end of 2024. He said he had been enjoying a year out but ultimately found himself drawn back to the sport he describes as his work. "It's something that I love, I'm passionate about and that I've always been in love with, " Fury told the audience at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Fight plans and the wider heavyweight picture
The April 11 date brings Fury back into a heavyweight scene that has been bubbling with the possibility of a showdown between him and Anthony Joshua. Those plans, however, have been pushed to one side while Joshua recovers from the crash that claimed two of his close friends and left him hospitalised. Fury acknowledged the impact that incident had on him, saying it was the "biggest turning point" in his choice to resume fighting.
Fury's return fight against Makhmudov will be watched closely for what it might mean for a potential Fury–Joshua clash further down the line. A victory would reinsert Fury into the conversation for big-ticket domestic showdowns and high-profile international events; a loss would complicate plans that have long teased a unifying British heavyweight meeting.
Promoters and matchmakers are already considering permutations in the heavyweight top tier, but Fury stressed his immediate focus is on the April bout. He framed the comeback as a personal reconnection with his vocation, saying retirement never fully fitted him and that the ring remains his calling.
Fury also spoke about living in the present and not deferring important decisions. "Anything could happen at any given moment and you should never put things off until tomorrow, " he said, repeating the theme that the recent tragedy convinced him acting now was the right course.
What to expect on April 11
Fury versus Makhmudov will test whether the Gypsy King retains the competitive edge after a year away. Makhmudov arrives unbeaten and poses a stern challenge, offering a barometer for Fury's form and fitness. Observers will be watching Fury's conditioning, ring rust, and tactical sharpness as he seeks to re-establish himself among the division's elite.
Beyond the immediate stakes, Fury's return reshuffles potential match-ups and timelines in heavyweight boxing. If he looks convincing, talk of a domestic blockbuster will almost certainly return. If the contest proves awkward or exposes vulnerabilities, Fury may face a longer rebuild rather than an immediate leap back into the biggest fights the division can offer.
For now, Fury's message is personal and direct: a tragic event pushed him to stop delaying the things he loves. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host the heavyweight's next chapter on April 11, 2026 (ET), when fans will see whether that decision pays off inside the ropes.
