Tyson Fury’s return may be good for business, but not everyone is buying the latest chapter in the heavyweight comeback soap opera.
Earlier this monthThe 37-year-old confirmed he would return to the ring, ending a 12-month retirement. Fury, the former unified heavyweight champion, lost his last two fights to Oleksandr Usyk but has talked openly about becoming a three-time world champion – a feat achieved by the likes of Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield.
Fury’s return is expected to start with a warm-up fight, although “The Gypsy King” has publicly floated the idea of facing current WBO champion Fabio Wardley later this year. Meanwhile, Usyk remains the clear number one in the division, holding the remaining three recognized titles and considering a potential defense against Deontay Wilder in the first half of 2026.
However, not everyone is thrilled with the prospect of Fury’s return. Former three-division world champion and respected pundit Duke McKenzie admits he has no interest in Fury lacing up his gloves again.
I’m talking to Social boxingthe outspoken 62-year-old questions the appetite for another Fury return.
“He keeps talking about coming back to boxing. Am I there or not? I don’t think anyone cares anymore. I really don’t care. If he wants to get back to competing at world level, there is no other fight for him than Fabio Wardley.
Wardley’s stock is skyrocketing after a 2025 breakthrough that included impressive victories over Justis Huni and former world champion Joseph Parker before being elevated to the WBO title following Usyk’s decision to vacate the belt.
Despite narrow amateur experience and white-collar boxing experience, the Ipswich fighter is undefeated in 21 fights and his shock power has made him one of the most perilous operators in the division.
McKenzie believes Fury (34-2-1, 24 KO) would take a significant risk in a fight against Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KO) and did not hesitate when asked to pick the winner if the fight were to take place.
“Fabio Wardley is not fair to Tyson Fury right now because you have one fighter clearly in front, on his way to the top. Teenage, hungry, hits difficult, wants that huge name.
“Tyson Fury comes in, ticks everything that Fabio Wardley could want. We still haven’t seen the best of Wardley. If I was a gambler, I’d pick Fabio Wardley all day long.”
Wardley welcomed the opportunity to face Fury but remains focused on setting a date for his first WBO title defense, with heavyweight veteran Derek Chisora among the names reportedly being considered. Time will tell if Fury ultimately follows through on his latest comeback, but if McKenzie is right, the risk may outweigh the reward.