Tyson Fury has been offered “a farewell bout” by IBA president Umar Kremlev.
Fury, 36, and Kremlev were together in Istanbul, Turkey, last week at the IBA Golden Era event, and Fury spoke about a possible return to the ring, ending his self-imposed exile following the only two losses of his career, both against Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury has long been linked to a bout with his compatriot Anthony Joshua, and last week specifically called out Usyk for a third fight.
“We would love to make a professional fight for you [Fury] – a farewell bout, as the king of boxing,” said Kremlev. “One final, beautiful fight to say farewell. You started your career with the IBA, so you have to complete your career with IBA.”
Kremlev has also extended an invitation to Fury to visit Moscow.
“We would love to bring Tyson to Moscow,” said Kremlev.
“Just give me the date, and you can bring your team and family with you. We will send a jet to pick you up and bring you. We do not have bears walking around [in Moscow] — despite people’s misconceptions – so please bring your family and your team.”
There were plenty of big names at the Turkey event, including Carl Froch, Terence Crawford, David Haye, Jarrell Miller, and Shannon Briggs.
“We are happy to see you here, supporting and promoting boxing,” Kremlev told Fury.
Fury’s last loss came in December to Usyk in Saudi Arabia, and was paid for by Riyadh Season boss Turki Alalshikh.
For his part, Alalshikh believes Fury will fight for him should he return, and while Fury was in Turkey, Alalshikh posted on X: “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,” added Alalshikh, referring to the nickname Fury gave his Ukrainian nemesis.
Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown, joined the former heavyweight champion in Turkey with the IBA.
“We’d love to go to Moscow. Tyson has always wanted to go,” said Brown.
Of the IBA Golden Era showpiece, Fury said: “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.”
“The story is not ended yet,” Brown told Kremlev. “Our story has not ended yet. So, you [Kremlev] are coming in at the end of the story, but it hasn’t ended, and we’d love to have you on board.”
“So, I have joined you on time,” Kremlev replied, adding: “I have big respect for those who invest their soul and their talent into their sport – and I believe that in the modern world, in the current times, out of all heavyweight categories, Tyson is most talented.”
Fury has 34 wins (24 stoppages) against two losses and a draw and posts training/running videos almost daily on his social media accounts.
