Tyson Fury opponent for warm-up fight likely to be unbeaten 41-year-old as ‘front runner’ emerges

Nelson Hysa is the front runner to face Tyson Fury in a warm-up fight in August.

Fury is set to return in a tune-up fight before an inevitable clash with Anthony Joshua in the final quarter of 2026.

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He decided to take the risk and keep active, with his rival Joshua set to face Kristian Prenga on July 25.

The ‘Gypsy King’ defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, and was unlikely to take a higher ranked opponent for his next bout.

And it appears it will be a similar level of opposition for Fury next.

Boxing News have now reported that Fury will take on unbeaten 41-year-old Albanian Hysa in his warm-up fight.

Hysa has yet to be beaten in the paid ranks, but is now beyond his physical prime.

It is understood that the deal is not yet entirely over the line, but he is now the leading option with the final details being arranged.

The showdown will likely land on the undercard of Pierce O’Leary vs Mark Chamberlain in Dublin on August 1.

His potential opponent recently signed with Frank Warren‘s Queensberry Promotions, so it was a stablemate to negotiate with.

And Hysa has also regularly sparred with the Morecambe native in recent years, and will provide a stern enough test to keep Fury busy.

The Shkoder slugger is ranked at No.5 with the WBA and at No.11 with the WBO, so is also a credible opponent according to the governing bodies.

But Fury will once again be an overwhelming favourite to get over the line.

Who is Nelson Hysa?

Hysa has shown he carries punching power, and has a KO ratio of 91% albeit only against European level opposition.

The ‘Albanian Eagle’ turned over late as a pro at the age of 37 in 2022.

But he has kept active for his four-year stint, and is hopeful of somewhat of a hoorah at the top level before he bows out.

Hysa has been linked with fights against Moses Itauma and Agit Kabayel, but has never had his big break.

He has never fought against opposition close to the level of the formidable two-time champion in Fury.

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It is understood he has also been reached out to due to his ticket-selling power on British shores.

He fought and beat Patrick Korte on the undercard of Fabio Wardley vs Justin Huni in his last appearance on British shores last June.