No Joke – Tyson Fury predicts Belfast test

Tyson Fury believes he will be in a fight in Belfast on August 18th.

The former Irish champion takes another step along the comeback trail when he fights Francesco Pianeta on the undercard of Carl Frampton’s Windsor Park fight night.

The former world title challenger is a step-up from Sefer Seferi, who the former unified heavyweight champ defeated in his first fight back from a prolonged sabbatical.

Although Fury has defended his comeback opponent and his performance in Manchester in June, but has promised to be more business-like this time around and predicts Pianeta will prove a tough test.

Not only is the Italian bigger and better than Seferi, he will come motivated knowing a win could put him back into big time contention.

“Pianeta is just one win away from being back right there among the best,” said Fury

“Everybody brings their A-game when they face me. They know it’s a lottery win if they can beat me.”

Fury has shared a sparring ring with the 6’5″ southpaw ahead of Pianeta’s unsuccessful attempt to dethrone Wladimir Klitschko in 2013 and was impressed.

“I sparred with him in Germany when he was 26 and 0. He was tough, strong and he is a good opponent – very good.”

The fighter, who claims he is in talks with WBC world heavyweight world champ Deontay Wilder about a possible 2018 fight, believes his return to peak fitness is fast approaching.

“I’m training hard in the gym every day. I’ve had no time off since the last fight. I’m getting in great shape and I’m really focused on my job.”

“Time is flying and it does when you’re having fun. I have a great team around me and we have got everything bang on. I’ve never, ever been this happy with my training and routine.”