Tyson Fury’s return to the ring has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, and the question on everyone’s mind is: Who will step into the ring with the former heavyweight champion for his comeback fight? After a year-long retirement, Fury is back, and the possibilities are as thrilling as they are controversial. While he’s eyeing a trilogy bout with Oleksandr Usyk—the only man to ever beat him—or a world title clash with WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley, those blockbuster fights are likely on the horizon for 2026. But who will Fury face first? Let’s dive into the contenders, because this is where it gets interesting.
Sky Sports breaks down the options, and some of these choices might just surprise you.
1. Arslanbek Makhmudov: The Logical Choice?
The Russian powerhouse, now based in Canada, is a strong contender with a reputation for taking on quality opponents. His losses? Only to the likes of WBC Interim titlist Agit Kabayel and Olympian Guido Vianello. But here’s the catch: both were stoppage losses. Still, his dominant win over Britain’s Dave Allen in Sheffield has repositioned him as a force to be reckoned with. Barry Jones and Don Charles on the Toe2Toe podcast called him the ‘perfect’ comeback opponent for Fury. Jones even pointed out that Makhmudov’s slow pace and tendency to run out of steam could play right into Fury’s hands. But is this fight too predictable, or just the right move?
2. Andy Ruiz: The Man Who Shocked the World
Remember when Ruiz upset Anthony Joshua in 2019 at Madison Square Garden? That monumental win cemented his place in boxing history. Though he lost the rematch and has only fought three times since, Fury himself has called him out on social media. But here’s where it gets controversial: Ruiz’s recent draw with Jarrell Miller raises questions about his current form. Is he still the fighter who stunned the world, or is he a shadow of his former self?
3. Jarrell Miller: The Comeback Kid with a Controversial Past
Miller’s name is synonymous with controversy after failing drug tests ahead of his scheduled fight with Anthony Joshua. Yet, he’s rebuilt his career as a heavyweight gatekeeper, giving Daniel Dubois a tough workout before losing by stoppage. His recent 12-round draw with Andy Ruiz shows he’s still a force. But would Fury risk facing someone with such a checkered past? And would fans even want to see it?
4. Agron Smakici: The Unknown Southpaw with a Grudge
Standing at 6ft 6in, this Croatian southpaw isn’t a household name, but his 21-3 record (with 19 knockouts) demands attention. And this is the part most people miss: Smakici and Fury have history. They were sparring partners, and there’s rumored bad blood between them—Fury even suffered a cut during one of their sessions that delayed his first fight with Usyk. Could this fight be personal? Or is Smakici just not big enough for Fury’s comeback?
5. Justis Huni: The Wardley Comparison
This young Australian nearly outboxed Fabio Wardley in his hometown before falling to a stunning one-punch knockout. A fight with Huni would offer a fascinating comparison between Fury and Wardley’s styles. But is Huni ready for someone of Fury’s caliber, or would this be a mismatch?
As Fury prepares for his 38th professional fight in April, the debate rages on. Who do you think is the best option for his comeback? Is Makhmudov the safe bet, or should Fury take on someone like Ruiz or Miller for the drama? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
