Tyson Fury hints at sixth retirement despite talks of AJ matchup

Tyson Fury has suggested his upcoming return to the ring could precede a sixth retirement, casting doubt over a long-anticipated showdown with Anthony Joshua.

Fury is scheduled to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11, his first bout since a second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.

The contest is expected to serve as a platform for further high-profile opportunities, including a potential trilogy with Usyk or a long-discussed clash with Joshua.

“That might be the end”

Speaking to Sky Sports, Fury indicated his focus remains solely on the immediate task.

“I can only concentrate on who I’m fighting and that’s Arslanbek Makhmudov,” he said. “I’ve got to get him out the way, beat him and then who knows? That might be the end. I might retire again.”

A decision to walk away after April would jeopardise a lucrative bout with Joshua, widely viewed as one of the most commercially significant fights available in British boxing.

Motivation for return

Fury also referenced recent events involving Joshua as part of his motivation to return. Joshua survived a car crash in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two of his close associates.

Reflecting on his comeback, Fury said: “Tomorrow is not promised to anybody. The Bible says tomorrow is not a gift. Tomorrow ain’t promised.

“Tomorrow is a mystery. So we have to live for today.

“And me living for that day, I made my mind up there and then that I’m going to come back to boxing. Because it’s something that I love and I’m passionate about. And that I’ve always been in love with.

“And there is no tomorrow to put it off to. So that’s why I’m back today for this big fight.”

Whether the April return marks a final chapter or another pause in Fury’s career remains uncertain, but the immediate focus remains on Makhmudov.