Tyson Fury has confirmed that undefeated heavyweight Nelson Hysa is currently under consideration for a return bout planned for July or August. Speaking to iFL TV on June 15, 2026, Fury named the 41-year-old Albanian knockout artist as a candidate his team is actively discussing. The fight would serve as a crucial tune-up before a long-expected meeting with Anthony Joshua later this year.
The “Gypsy King” is working to stay active after outhustling Arslanbek Makhmudov over 12 rounds in April 2026. While many fans hoped for a direct path to Anthony Joshua this summer, Joshua is already slated to face Kristian Prenga on July 25.
To keep the timing aligned, Fury needs his own “dance partner” to ensure both men are prepared for a signed November showdown. Even with contracts signed, both heavyweights must secure victories in these interim matches to keep the mega-fight on track.
Confirming the discussions around his next move, Fury described Nelson Hysa as a “highly-ranked, undefeated guy” and a “knockout artist.” The Albanian has recently signed with Queensberry Promotions, a move that could potentially expedite negotiations. While the deal is not yet officially finalized, Hysa remains the leading option for the away corner in Fury’s upcoming return.
Who is Nelson Hysa and why him?
Nelson Hysa holds a perfect professional record of 24-0, featuring 22 victories by way of knockout. He didn’t turn professional until the age of 37 in 2022, but he has maintained an incredibly high activity rate since then.
He currently holds a number five ranking with the WBA and sits at number 11 in the WBO heavyweight rankings. His power makes him a theoretically dangerous choice for a warm-up fight.
Analysts view Nelson Hysa as a smart selection for the 35-year-old Fury at this stage. He presents the threat of a genuine puncher to keep the champion focused, yet he reportedly lacks the sophisticated footwork that defined Fury’s previous world title opponents. It mirrors the strategic path of Anthony Joshua, who is also taking on an Albanian opponent this July to stay sharp.
There have been conflicting reports regarding the exact date and location. Rumors suggest August 1 in Dublin on the undercard of a Pierce O’Leary and Mark Chamberlain event. However, promoter Frank Warren has denied this specific date. Furthermore, Fury has recently hinted at future collaborations with Dana White in the United States, which might change the promotional direction of the event.
Familiar heavyweights ruled out of the running
Tyson Fury has been clear about whom he is not fighting this summer. Despite high praise for the young prospect in the past, Fury explicitly ruled out a clash with Moses Itauma. Although Jarrell Miller previously backed Itauma’s potential, Fury dismissed the idea of facing the 21-year-old at this juncture of his career.
“He ain’t on my radar,” Fury said of Itauma. “He ain’t won nothing, he ain’t done nothing. He is 21, I’ll be a grandfather by the time he’s up there.” This dismissal comes despite Itauma’s previous role as a key sparring partner for Fury. The champion appears focused on veteran contenders rather than local prospects who are still building their resumes.
Other names like Jarrell Miller and Andy Ruiz Jr. appear to be out of the picture for August as well. Miller is reportedly touring other countries and is unavailable for a quick deal. Meanwhile, Ruiz has been out of action since 2024. Consequently, Nelson Hysa has emerged as the front-runner for a fighter who needs a definitive knockout win to build momentum.
The long road to Fury vs Joshua in November
The motivation behind these summer tune-ups is the proposed domestic blockbuster in late 2026. Current reports indicate the Fury-Joshua bout is penciled in for November. Both fighters are taking calculated risks by taking interim bouts, as a loss for either man would likely derail one of the most anticipated fights in British boxing history.
Fury is currently in a different position than in years past. He experienced a difficult 2024, suffering two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. These losses were followed by a brief retirement announcement before he returned to the ring to beat Arslanbek Makhmudov. A strong performance against a heavy hitter like Hysa would be the “statement of intent” his promoter Frank Warren is looking for.
For the 41-year-old Nelson Hysa, the opportunity is a lottery ticket. While he lacks elite-level experience, his knockout ratio suggests he has the “puncher’s chance” required to cause an upset. Should he pull off the improbable in July or August, he would effectively terminate the plans for the November mega-fight between the two biggest names in UK boxing.
Finalizing the details for August
Frank Warren and the Queensberry team are expected to announce the final opponent and venue shortly. Warren has publicly warned that Fury “can’t afford to slip up” in his comeback. The pressure is on Fury to maintain his concentration against a veteran who has everything to gain and nothing to lose on a global stage.
Whether the fight lands in Dublin or shifts to a U.S. venue favored by Dana White remains to be seen. Regardless of the location, the primary goal for the Fury camp is safely navigating the next two months. Fans are now waiting for the official confirmation to see if Nelson Hysa will be the man in the opposite corner this summer.
