Boxing promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is keen on making his return to the ring next year. Fury had initially announced his retirement from the sport in January following consecutive losses to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk. However, Warren, at 73, has now stated that the “Gypsy King” is eyeing a return to the rejuvenated division in the upcoming year.

Speaking to DAZN, Warren relayed details from a recent conversation: “I spoke to him last week. He said that he’s going to come back and fight next year. He wants to do it.” Warren also elaborated on Fury’s activities during his hiatus, noting, “He’s had a very busy year this year. He’s obviously not had a fight this year, but as we’ve all seen, he’s had his documentary. He’s been filming with Netflix for his At Home with the Furys series. He’s also got another documentary that he’s finishing off, plus other things. I mean, he’s told me categorically he wants to fight next year. So, we’ll sit down and see.”

Fury himself has previously hinted at a return, maintaining his fitness during retirement. In July, he stated, “I do miss it, every single day I wake up in the morning and miss it. I’ve been away seven months, missed it everyday. I’m open to offers at the moment. Next year the big GK is going to make a f***ing comeback. The takeover! I’m gonna be 37 in about three weeks so I’m going to be the oldest swinger with all these young boys coming up, it’s going to be difficult.”

Since Fury’s defeat to Usyk, the Ukrainian, now 38, has also secured a victory over up-and-comer Daniel Dubois, 28. Other notable figures in the heavyweight division include Fabio Wardley, 30, who has begun to stake his claim, and Brit youngster Moses Itauma, 20, who continued his path to title glory with a victory over Dillian Whyte in August.

The most widely touted fight for Fury, however, remains the long-awaited face-off with rival Anthony Joshua. While some of the initial excitement might have diminished following the recent trajectory of both fighters’ careers, such a bout would undeniably still attract a massive audience, finally answering one of the heavyweight division’s biggest ‘what ifs’. Joshua has also been mentioned in connection with potential fights against Deontay Wilder at Wembley or Martin Bakole in Africa over the next year.