Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has revealed that the tragic car crash involving associates of rival Anthony Joshua played a key role in his decision to return to boxing.
Fury is set to make his comeback on April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he will face Russian-born heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov. The 37-year-old has been out of action for 15 months following his second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk toward the end of 2024, after which he announced his retirement.
He confirmed his return on January 4, just a week after Joshua was involved in a car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
Speaking on Monday, Fury said the incident changed his outlook. According to him, the tragedy served as a reminder that life is uncertain and that opportunities should not be postponed.
Plans for a long-anticipated showdown between Fury and Joshua in 2026 now appear unlikely, as attention shifts to Fury’s upcoming bout.
The former two-time world heavyweight champion also stated that part of his motivation for returning is to revive excitement in the sport, arguing that boxing has lacked spark during his time away from the ring.
