Tyson Fury has fired back at online critics who labelled him "chubby" and "fat" after footage emerged showing the former heavyweight champion preparing for his ring return.
The Gypsy King, who stepped away from boxing in January 2025, has confirmed he will make his comeback this year whilst currently training at a camp in Thailand.
Currently tipping the scales at 20 stone, Fury has committed to shedding weight before his next bout, targeting a fighting weight below 19 stone.
The 37-year-old, who turns 38 this year, dismissed concerns about his physique as he prepares for what could be a significant return to the heavyweight division.
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Fury was characteristically defiant when addressing his detractors, insisting his weight has never hindered his performances in the ring.
"I beat everybody with a fat belly, never been any different," he declared. "It's never made any odds before, why should it make any odds today?"
The former world champion acknowledged the criticism head-on, stating: "I've had a few comments, I'm looking a bit hench, chubby, fat. Well, welcome to my world, never been any different."
Tyson Fury will return to boxing in 2026
|Fury also emphasised his dedication to the comeback, adding: "Working very hard for this return the Gypsy King is not taking this lightly, whatsoever."
The British fighter hung up his gloves following back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk during 2024, bringing an end to what many believed was his career.
However, the Morecambe fighter is now ready to step through the ropes once more, though he acknowledges the challenges ahead.
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Five facts about boxing that fans might not know | GBNEWS/PA"I've had a year out and, if I box in the first quarter, it could be up to 16 months out the ring," Fury explained.
"So it's a long time for a man 37 years old, 38 this year. So let's see if I've still got it!"
Fury has set his sights on newly-crowned WBO champion Fabio Wardley, issuing a challenge to the 31-year-old via social media.
Wardley, who received the title after Usyk relinquished the belt, has responded positively to the prospect of facing the former champion.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Wardley said: "More than welcome it. It would be a fight that I'm hugely up for."
Tyson Fury retired last January following consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk
| GETTYThe WBO titleholder made clear his ambitions to face elite opposition in the heavyweight ranks.
"Myself, I like to target some of the big names in the division, the top players and look, he's one of those guys. Give me a call any time," Wardley added.
Meanwhile, it's unclear if Fury will ever get round to facing Anthony Joshua.
The 36-year-old is currently recovering after a tragic car crash in Nigeria killed two of his closest friends.