Tyson Fury’s highly anticipated return to the boxing ring later this year is shrouded in both excitement and a dose of paternal realism, as his father, John Fury, has candidly admitted that the former two-time heavyweight world champion is not currently in peak physical condition. This admission comes despite Fury’s dramatic U-turn on his retirement announcement made just last January, with the "Gypsy King" now setting his sights on a monumental comeback in 2026.
The Morecambe-based fighter initially declared his retirement after suffering back-to-back defeats to his long-time rival, Oleksandr Usyk. However, the allure of the squared circle proved too strong to resist, and mere months later, Fury unveiled his ambitious plans to compete again, targeting a return in the first quarter of 2026. In recent weeks, the 37-year-old has been sharing glimpses of his training regimen from Thailand, where he’s been seen honing his skills alongside fellow boxer Kevin Lerena. The prospect of a revitalized Fury, once again guided by the wisdom of his father, has ignited anticipation within the boxing fraternity.
John Fury has confirmed his intention to travel globally to actively participate in his son’s training camp, signaling a more hands-on approach this time around. "I am going to be more involved this time," John stated emphatically to Goldstar promotions. "Hear this. Father and son… Tyson’s gonna win the heavyweight championship for the third time and you can bank your f** on that!"
However, the images and videos of Fury’s training have not been met with universal acclaim. The boxing community has been vocal in their criticism, with many commentators and fans pointing to Fury’s current physique, describing it as "fat" and expressing concerns about his readiness. Despite the barrage of negativity, John Fury remains resolute, offering his own frank assessment of his son’s current state while expressing unwavering confidence in his eventual triumph.
"He’s not in fantastic shape… that is bull," John declared, referencing the public’s perception. "He will be. Have another look at him. Because when I go out in the next week, there will be no more of this internet bull… every move on the internet. Head down, work, and get a body. Learn to move again. Learn to twist and be awkward. Erky jerky. Look like a fighter, look like a warrior, he’ll look like a f** spartan by April, and he will be heavyweight champion of the world again."
Addressing the concerns about his son’s weight directly, Fury Snr acknowledged the significance of his current physique. "It does matter (the extra bodyweight). It f** does matter," he admitted. "If it’s muscle, it does not matter. If it is fat, it matters. Anybody will tell you that. But, listen, we know where we are going. I know where he went wrong. I know, and we are going to put it right." This admission suggests a clear understanding of the challenges ahead and a determination to rectify past missteps.
John Fury has become an increasingly prominent figure in his son’s corner in recent times. However, his involvement has not been without its critics. Notably, his own brother, Tommy Fury, was outspoken following Tyson’s first defeat to Usyk in May 2024, questioning the crowded corner strategy. "There should only be one man in the corner, there shouldn’t be three or four," Tommy told October Red. "Some are too emotional in the corner and some are giving the wrong advice."
He further elaborated on the importance of clear and concise guidance in the heat of battle. "I think the only one that spoke a little bit of sense in the last dying stretch of it was Sugar Hill, who said put it on him. When you go into fights, it doesn’t matter who it is, it could be a family member, but you’ve got to give precise clear information, and the thing I always say to the fighter is ‘are you listening, do you understand what I’ve just told you to do?’"
Tommy Fury lamented the apparent confusion and conflicting messages within Tyson’s corner during crucial moments of the Usyk fight. "There were too many people, but maybe Tyson wants that I don’t know, it’s been years since dealings with me. I don’t know what the situation is but clearly for me the game plan was wrong and only one should be speaking. How can you listen to all that? It’s going a bit panicky and it’s all over the place."
He also emphasized his own unyielding commitment to professional conduct in the corner, stating, "I’ve always said I can’t be bought in boxing. If someone is talking in the corner, I’d say shut your f***ing mouth now or get out of the back. It’s happened before. I’m not having anything go on in that corner. You’re the bucket man, you wash the gumshield out, you wipe his head down, do not speak. That’s their instruction, and if they speak, when they get back to the dressing room, sacked on the spot. You’ve got to have a professional corner."
Despite these past critiques of corner management, John Fury’s renewed commitment and his frank assessment of Tyson’s current physical state underscore a determined effort to ensure that "The Gypsy King" is not only mentally prepared but also physically in the best possible shape for his monumental quest to reclaim the heavyweight championship for a third time. The coming months will undoubtedly see intense scrutiny as Fury embarks on this rigorous training regime under the watchful eye of his father, with the ultimate goal of silencing his critics and solidifying his legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats.
