Tyson Fury has received an invitation to compete for the IBA heavyweight championship after confirming his return to boxing.

The 'Gypsy King' shocked the boxing world after announcing his retirement from the sport following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk. However, in recent months, he's been spotted keeping fit and training, sparking whispers of a potential comeback.

Recently, it was revealed that Fury is set for a return to the boxing scene next year. Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh took to social media announcing: "The 'Gypsy King' will be back!!! I talked with him, and I have his word to have him in Riyadh Season in 2026...We have a rabbit to hunt!" Fury echoed Alalshikh's post on his Instagram story, teasing fans with the note: "Let's see what 2026 brings," accompanied by a string of dollar sign and laughing face emojis.

IBA President Umar Kremlev recently welcomed Fury with the two boxing powerhouses discussing future plans for the returning Brit. "We are happy to see you here, supporting and promoting boxing," Kremlev told the former unified heavyweight king. Fury replied: "It’s a big event. When you see all of these fighters and special people, it attracts a lot of eyes to boxing — and boxing brings people together," reports All Out Fighting.

READ MORE: Jake Paul could lose world ranking days after Julio Cesar Chavez Jr win

READ MORE: Conor Benn contradicts himself over Chris Eubank Jr fight ahead of rematch

With fans desperate to see Fury back in action, Kremlev took the opportunity to make an audacious bid to have the former lineal champion see out his career on an IBA show - with a bout for the IBA heavyweight title on the cards. "We would love to make a professional fight for you [Fury] — a farewell bout, as the king of boxing. One final, beautiful fight to say farewell. You started your career with the IBA, so you have to complete your career with IBA!"

In an exciting development, Fury recently unveiled the details of his trilogy fight with Usyk, announcing via Instagram that it will take place on April 18, 2026, at Wembley Stadium, United Kingdom. Usyk responded promptly, indicating his willingness to engage in a third fight against Fury, but emphasised his team's primary focus remains on the upcoming showdown against Daniel Dubois.

In a subsequent statement, Sergey Lapin, CEO of Ready To Fight and head of Team Usyk, said: "The idea of a third fight with Tyson Fury has been on the table between our teams ever since their second bout. And I have never had any doubt that, together with Goldstar Promotions, we could turn it into a reality.

"Right now, both Oleksandr Usyk and our team are fully focused on the upcoming fight with Dubois on July 19 and on achieving the historic goal of becoming a three-time undisputed world champion. As you've probably noticed, focus and total commitment are at the core of the champion's and the team's strategy. When this goal - three-time undisputed - is accomplished, and the dust settles, we'll be open for the next round."