Tyson Fury names only two heavyweights he refuses to fight as Brit gets set for return

“The Gypsy King” Fury, who officially retired in January 2025 following two consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, made it clear that there are only two heavyweights he absolutely refuses to fight, citing personal bonds over prize money .

During a Q&A at BoxFest on July 23, 2025, Fury explained that the only fighters he would never face are Joseph Parker and Agit Kabayel. He framed the decision in deeply personal terms:

• Joseph Parker: Fury described Parker as “a brother,” noting their close relationship and mutual admiration. He pointed out that he helped revive Parker’s career by introducing him to trainer Andy Lee, and said he would rather give Parker a belt than enter the ring with him. He emphasized that “some things ain’t worth fighting for” and bluntly stated he “won’t fight him … for any amount of money” .
• Agit Kabayel: A German-based heavyweight, Kabayel served as a sparring partner and long-time friend. Fury recalled plans for a fight in 2020 that never materialized and highlighted their friendship today. He referred to both men as future world champions and insisted he “won’t fight either man” out of respect and affection .

Those two are the only heavyweights he has ruled out. Otherwise, Fury claimed he’s open to fighting “almost everyone” in the division—including potential high-profile matchups with Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk—as he prepares for a comeback in 2026 .

Fury has specifically mentioned three big names as potential motivators for a return—Usyk, Joshua, and Daniel Dubois—and indicated that any of them or even all of them might tempt him back into the ring, should the right offer come along .

While Fury has signaled a desire to return in 2026—partly delayed by ongoing Netflix filming commitments—he remains enthusiastic about the sport and his entertainment value in it. His return appears tied to securing blockbuster fights, especially the long-awaited showdown with Joshua, potentially held in high-profile venues like Wembley or Riyadh backed by Saudi investment uses to fight Joseph Parker and **Agit Kabay