The Gypsy King, 37, confirmed his comeback to the ring after retiring following back-to-back points defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, 38, in December 2024, and has now explained his motivation is rooted in identity rather than titles or paydays.
Speaking in a video posted to social media, Fury said: “I have literally won everything from regional belts in England to super world titles, fighter of the year twice. Every world title I have fought for, and for me there is nothing else other than the fight game.
“I love this fight game. There is nothing in it for financial gain. I could have retired 10 years ago. I’ve made an absolute fortune.
“It’s not about the money, although I always want a good deal for sure. It’s mainly about the love of the fight game and the sport.”
The former WBC heavyweight champion has already returned to full training and has been sparring fellow heavyweight Kevin Lerena as he builds towards a comeback he has promised will be the “biggest and best event” of its era.
He added: “I’m 37, I’m 38 this year, I am older than a motherf*****, but I love to fight.
“I have zero other interests, only fighting.
“I was born and raised to fight. My destiny lies within the fight game. And at the end of it all, I'll be punching like a motherf*****, and I'll probably be ending up in a wheelchair like the rest of them all.
“Punched to death, don't know if it's Tuesday, Wednesday or December, but it's the game I chose, it's the life we chose. This is the life I chose! We ain't stopping. We ain't f****** leaving.”
Fury has been training in Thailand and posting regular updates to Instagram, insisting he feels “sharper” and “faster” as preparations gather pace.
He wrote: “2026 is that year. Return of the Mac. Been away for a while but I’m back now. 37 years old and still punching. Nothing better to do than punch men in the face and get paid for it.”
Potential opponents include Anthony Joshua, 36, Fabio Wardley, 31, and even a possible Usyk trilogy - with the long-discussed all-British clash with AJ remaining one of boxing’s most lucrative unrealised fights.
Queensberry Promotions boss Frank Warren has suggested finances will ultimately shape Fury’s next move, but the fighter himself remains adamant his return is about something deeper.
