Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury has once again announced his return to professional boxing, confirming that he will step back into the ring in 2026 and bringing his latest period of retirement to an end.

The 37-year-old Briton last competed in December 2024, when he suffered a second defeat to unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in their highly anticipated rematch. One month later, Fury confirmed he was retiring, a decision that sparked widespread debate given his long-standing pattern of leaving and returning to the sport.

In recent weeks, signs of a comeback had become increasingly difficult to ignore. Fury shared training footage from Thailand, where he was seen working alongside South African heavyweight Kevin Lerena, reigniting speculation that his competitive instincts had resurfaced.

That speculation was confirmed on Sunday when Fury posted a message on Instagram announcing his intentions. “2026 is that year. Return of the Mac,” he wrote. “Been away for a while but I’m back now. 37 years old and still punching. Nothing better to do than punch men in the face & get paid for it.” The statement reflected the confidence and self-belief that have defined much of Fury’s career.

While Fury’s announcement has generated excitement, it has also been met with a sense of familiarity. His most recent retirement was greeted with scepticism in boxing circles, given his history of reversals. He previously stepped away from the sport after stopping Dillian Whyte in front of a packed Wembley Stadium in April 2022, only to return six months later for further high-profile bouts.

Queensberry promoter Frank Warren has consistently maintained that Fury would fight again, expressing confidence that the former champion still has the desire to compete at the highest level. Attention has also focused on Saudi Arabia, where powerbroker Turki Alalshikh had reportedly been planning a blockbuster route to a long-awaited showdown between Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Under those plans, Fury and Joshua were expected to take separate bouts in the Kingdom in early 2026 before finally facing each other later in the year. Joshua further fuelled anticipation in December after defeating Jake Paul and stating publicly that he was ready to meet Fury in the ring.

Those prospective plans have since been clouded by uncertainty following Joshua’s involvement in a car crash in Nigeria, an incident that tragically claimed the lives of two of his close friends. Despite this setback, Fury’s announcement ensures that the heavyweight division remains vibrant and full of possibility.

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the United Kingdom after being involved in a fatal road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends, as both families and authorities take steps toward remembrance and accountability.

The 36-year-old boxer was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck on a major expressway near Lagos on Monday. The crash resulted in the deaths of Joshua’s close friends and long-time team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, a loss that has sent shockwaves through Joshua’s inner circle and the wider boxing community.

Following the accident, Joshua was taken to hospital for treatment and observation. He was discharged on Wednesday after doctors confirmed his condition was stable, allowing him to begin the journey back to the UK to be with family, friends and supporters during a difficult period.

Funeral arrangements for Ghami and Ayodele have now been confirmed, with services set to take place on Sunday at a mosque in London. Friends, relatives and members of the sporting community are expected to attend, offering an opportunity to honour the lives and contributions of the two men, who were widely regarded as central figures in Joshua’s professional and personal life.

In Nigeria, legal proceedings connected to the crash are underway. The driver of the vehicle, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, appeared before the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Kayode was granted bail in the sum of five million naira (£2,578) and has been remanded pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions. The case has been adjourned until 20 January, giving investigators additional time to complete inquiries and ensuring the judicial process continues in an orderly manner.

Wales international Brennan Johnson has spoken enthusiastically about his move to Crystal Palace, describing the transfer as an exciting step in his career after completing a £35m deal that sets a new club record for the Eagles.

Palace moved decisively to secure the 24-year-old forward, despite strong interest from Bournemouth, who had identified Johnson as a potential replacement should Antoine Semenyo complete a move to Manchester City. However, following productive discussions with Palace manager Oliver Glasner on Thursday, Johnson was convinced that Selhurst Park was the right destination for his next chapter.

“I’m really excited and I’m really happy,” Johnson said after the move was confirmed. “Crystal Palace are such a great club, one that I’ve always admired. It feels like a great time for me to be here and to join the journey that this club is on. I’m super excited about what lies ahead.”

The transfer eclipses Palace’s previous record signing of Liverpool striker Christian Benteke, who joined the club for £27m in 2016, underlining the club’s ambition and belief in Johnson’s ability to make an immediate and long-term impact.

Johnson arrives in south London with significant Premier League and European experience. He joined Tottenham Hotspur from Nottingham Forest in 2023 in a £47.5m deal and went on to play a key role during his time in north London. Most notably, he scored the decisive goal that helped Spurs end a 17-year wait for silverware, sealing Europa League success last season and further enhancing his reputation as a player for big moments.

For Crystal Palace, Johnson’s signing represents both a statement of intent and a strategic addition to Glasner’s evolving squad. His pace, directness, and eye for goal are expected to add a new dimension to Palace’s attack as the club looks to build on recent progress and continue its upward trajectory.