Undefeated British boxing champion, Tyson Fury announced his return to the squared ring on June 9, 2018 against a yet-to-be-identified opponent in Manchester.

Fury, 29, has not fought since defeating Wladmir Klitschko by unanimous decision for the WBO, WBA, IBA, IBF and Ring Magazine Heavyweight titles in November 2015 to end what was the second longest heavyweight title reign in history. The fight which was billed ‘’kollisionskurs’’ earned Fury the Ring magazine fighter of the year and upset of the year awards in 2015.

The Brit subsequently relinquished the WBA and WBO titles after two failed attempts to rematch Klitschko, citing the need to focus on medical treatment for his depression which resulted to his use of cocaine. Fury thereafter got stripped of his IBO, IBF and Ring magazine titles.

Following his admission to cocaine usage and clinical depression, the British Boxing Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping agency issued him a retroactive doping ban and suspending his boxing license.

The announced bout is expected to be the first step in reclaiming the titles he never lost in the ring. “Next year I will be back doing what I do best, better than ever and ready to reclaim the world titles which are rightfully mine. It’s time to get the party started” Fury said.

Fury is looking to step into the ring with the Nigerian born, Anthony Joshua, who currently holds the belts he once held before the end of the year.

Speaking on Joshua at the press conference announcing his return, Fury said: ‘’He’s a big old dosser, belt carrier for me. By the time I get ready to fight, it’s going to be an easy fight. He’s looking for one punch all night.’’ He added: ‘’I have a tip for him, get a handful of rice and throw it on me’, other than that he has no chance. He has no chance, he’s not the biggest puncher in the world. I’d outbox him for a few rounds and then I would knock him out.”

Nevertheless, Joshua has his sights set on American slugger, Deontey Wilder in what is widely expected to be the fight of the year.