Former champion responds to WBO titleholder’s callout; fight could happen later in 2026
Tyson Fury responded to Fabio Wardley’s fight challenge on Tuesday. The British heavyweight posted a tale-of-the-tape comparison on Instagram showing himself alongside the current WBO champion. Fury wrote the fight could be “an option later in 2026, God willing.”
Wardley issued the challenge during an interview with Sky Sports News. The undefeated boxer told Fury to “give me a call anytime.” Wardley said he would welcome the fight with the former champion. Both fighters are promoted by Frank Warren, which makes negotiations easier.
Fury holds a 34-2-1 record with 24 knockouts. He lost back-to-back fights to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024. He announced his retirement after the second loss but reversed that decision in January 2026. He is currently training in Thailand.
Wardley holds a 20-0-1 record with 19 knockouts. He won the WBO heavyweight title after Usyk vacated it. Wardley stopped Joseph Parker in the 11th round in October 2025 to claim the belt. ESPN named him the Best British Boxer of 2025.
Why Does This Fight Make Sense?
Fury has been out of the ring for over a year. The 36-year-old needs a fight before challenging for major titles again. Wardley represents a lower-risk option compared to fighters like Usyk or Anthony Joshua. The fight would give Fury a chance to win a world title in his comeback bout.
The all-British matchup would attract strong pay-per-view sales in the United Kingdom. Fury could become a three-time heavyweight world champion if he beats Wardley. Wardley would get his first title defense against a major name and a career-defining payday.
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Anthony Joshua Situation Changes Plans
A Fury vs Joshua fight was planned for later in 2026. The bout was expected to take place in Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season. Those plans became uncertain after Joshua was involved in a car crash in Nigeria. Two of his team members died in the accident.
With Joshua’s plans unclear, Fury vs Wardley becomes more realistic. The fight could fill the gap in the heavyweight division calendar. Wardley is also targeting Oleksandr Usyk, but Usyk is pursuing a fight with Deontay Wilder instead.
Fury is expected to return to the ring in the first or second quarter of 2026. Wardley’s team is open to negotiations. Both fighters sharing the same promoter removes logistical barriers to making the fight happen.
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