Becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion is a rare achievement, shared only by a handful of all-time greats such as Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield and Vitali Klitschko. Tyson Fury has already held the title twice — after beating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 and Deontay Wilder in 2020 — and the question now is whether he can join that elite group.
Fury’s recent years have been turbulent. After two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024 that denied him undisputed status, he announced his retirement at the start of last year. He has since reversed that decision and is scheduled to return on April 11 in the UK against Aslanbek Makhmudov. Fury has stated his aim is to get through that fight and position himself for a bigger showdown later in 2026.
The current heavyweight landscape leaves several potential routes. The four major belts are split: Usyk holds the unified WBC, WBA and IBF titles, while Ipswich’s Fabio Wardley is the WBO champion. A domestic clash with Wardley or a high-profile domestic showdown with Anthony Joshua are obvious options. Joshua’s immediate future is uncertain as he recovers from bereavement after losing two friends in a car accident in Nigeria, in which he suffered minor injuries.
Top trainer and analyst Joe Gallagher believes a third reign is part of Fury’s motivation. “I think that might be what’s motivating him,” Gallagher told Sky Sports. He acknowledged the challenge but wouldn’t rule Fury out. “I wouldn’t write him off. I think he has got the capabilities of being a three-time world champion.”
Gallagher highlighted likely match-ups — Wardley and Joshua — and the most alluring possibility: a third fight with Usyk. A Usyk trilogy would be the most tantalising but also the toughest, and Gallagher warned it would depend on how time and wear have affected both fighters.
April’s comeback should not be underestimated. Gallagher praised Fury for choosing a dangerous opponent rather than an easy warm-up. “He’s got to be on the ball because this kid’s coming to grab the opportunity with both hands. Full credit to Tyson Fury, taking that type of opponent,” he said. Gallagher described Makhmudov as a forward, straight-line puncher with a strong right hand, and argued that Fury’s movement, angles and boxing IQ could be decisive — provided he avoids being passive or trapped on the ropes.
Gallagher also noted a pattern: Fury has not always looked sharp after long breaks, sometimes suffering cuts or appearing off the pace. Still, he welcomed Fury’s return to the sport: “Enjoy him while he’s here for the remainder of his career, whether it’s 12 months, 12 weeks or whatever. Boxing’s short of characters and when you have someone like Tyson Fury, he’s a character, he’s a good fighter and he most probably wants a chance to become a three-time world champion.”
Whether Fury can make that run will come down to timing, the choices of opponents, and how all the key players age and evolve. He certainly has the profile, ambition and fan interest to chase a third reign, but the path will be difficult and littered with high-risk match-ups.