Tyson Fury has promised to return to the ring in 2018 and the thought of an all-British heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua has boxing rans justifiably excited.

The 'Gypsy King' hasn't stepped between the ropes since he outboxed Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 to become the IBF, WBA "Super" and WBO heavyweight champion of the world.

Since personal troubles and positive drug tests derailed a potential rematch, Fury has been flip-flopping on his future and only now does it seem that the 29-year-old is committing to a comeback.

Fury just needs to agree a date with the British Boxing Board of Control to resume his hearing and whip himself back into shape before returning to the ring.

It's understood that the ex-champion will need to punch his way through a series of warm-up bouts before exchanging blows with Joshua, though.

Nevertheless, AJ will more than likely mop up the remaining heavyweight belts if he can agree matches with Joseph Parker and Deontay Wilder.

And Fury spoke about his plans for a potential Joshua bout at his first public appearance since announcing his comeback - at the weigh-in for Dereck Chisora's fight with Agit Kabeayel.

He told Sky Sports: "I think next summer is ideal and realistic. I'm not going to do it in February or March, because obviously I'm not in shape.

“But I'll be back in shape by the time of March, April comes around.

“Back ripped, looking sexy as ever. A couple of sun beds, a haircut and a shave, I'll be back to my old self."

That's all well and good in principle but how quickly can Fury really get himself into a condition to fight one of the most revered boxers in the world?

Well, what Fury told Chisora at the weigh-in won't exactly inspire confidence in fans.

He admitted: "I got seven stone to lose. 

"I can probably lose it in about seven or weight weeks.

"You'd think I'd learn after 25 times."

Chisora spoke for most fans when he remarked "good luck" in response but Fury had a response that's hard to argue with.

"Preparing for Klitschko, I lost six and a half stone in seven weeks," he refuted and we all know how that ended.

Check out the quotes at 2:00 in the video below:

It's simply a question of whether Fury can draw upon the same discipline, focus and motivation to do to Joshua what he did to Klitschko nearly two years ago.

Everyone has their fingers crossed that the ex-champ can find his form as quickly as thinks he can and deliver what some are billing as one of the greatest ever fights.

Who do you think would win the British mega fight - Joshua or Fury? Have your say in the comments section below.