In a stunning turn of events, former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has announced his return to the boxing ring for a trilogy fight against Oleksandr Usyk, set for April 18, 2026, at Wembley Stadium in London. The announcement, made via a cryptic social media post captioned “IT’S RILEY,” comes just six months after Fury declared his retirement from professional boxing in January 2025, following consecutive losses to Usyk. The news has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, reigniting excitement for one of the sport’s most compelling rivalries.
Fury, known as the “Gypsy King,” retired after a unanimous decision loss to Usyk in their December 2024 rematch, which followed a split decision defeat in May of the same year. These bouts, both held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked the first professional losses of Fury’s illustrious career. The 36-year-old Briton, who boasts a record of 34 wins, two losses, and one draw, had previously hinted at stepping away for good, citing his extensive accomplishments, including holding the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles at various points. However, the allure of a third fight with Usyk, the only man to defeat him, has proven too strong to resist.
The announcement aligns with comments from Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, who revealed on July 2, 2025, that Fury had given his word to return for Riyadh Season in 2026. Fury’s post, featuring an image of himself and Usyk with the caption “April 18 2026 Wembley Stadium. The trilogy! UK,” confirmed the date and venue, sparking widespread anticipation among fans. The choice of Wembley Stadium, a historic venue for British boxing, underscores Fury’s desire to fight on home soil, a point he emphasized during a recent International Boxing Association event in Istanbul. “If I was going to come back, I’d come back for Usyk, but I want a fair result in England,” Fury stated, expressing frustration over the judges’ decisions in his previous encounters.
Usyk, the undefeated Ukrainian champion with a record of 23-0, including 14 knockouts, currently holds the WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF heavyweight titles. His victories over Fury solidified his status as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era since Lennox Lewis in 2000. Usyk is set to defend his titles against Daniel Dubois on July 19, 2025, at Wembley Stadium, a fight that could set the stage for the trilogy. Sergey Lapin, head of Team Usyk, acknowledged the possibility of a third bout, stating, “The idea of a third fight with Tyson Fury has been on the table since their second bout. We’ll be open for the next round after achieving our goal of becoming a three-time undisputed champion.”
Fury’s history of retirement U-turns adds intrigue to this announcement. He previously stepped away from boxing in 2013, 2017, and 2022, only to return each time, driven by his passion for the sport and its challenges. His battles with mental health, coupled with the physical toll of epic fights against Deontay Wilder, have fueled speculation about his longevity. Yet, Fury’s competitive spirit and belief that he was unfairly judged in his losses to Usyk have reignited his desire to prove himself. “I don’t believe I’ve got a fair shout the last two times,” he said, hinting at his determination to avoid leaving the outcome to the judges in the trilogy.
The boxing community has reacted with enthusiasm, with fans and analysts eager to see if Fury can reclaim his standing against Usyk. Some speculate that a potential all-British showdown with Anthony Joshua could follow if the trilogy does not materialize, but Fury’s focus remains on settling the score with Usyk. As preparations begin for this blockbuster event, the “Gypsy King” is poised to add another chapter to his storied career, proving once again that his love for boxing endures despite the setbacks.
