Tyson Fury is now just an announcement away from a game-changing return to boxing in 2018.

Almost three years after he outboxed Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf, the 29-year-old has shed the pounds, settled his disputes with UKAD and is finalising talks with promoters. As the heavyweight division trundles towards unification, the lineal champion has finally entered the mix.

Furthermore, the Manchester Evening News even reported this week that Fury has already agreed on a comeback date of June 9th, although an opponent hasn't been chosen yet.

It is believed the 'Gypsy King' will sign a promotional deal with Frank Warren over the coming weeks and headline at the Manchester Arena.

Nevertheless, there are worries that Fury is looking at opponents seriously below par.

Tyson Fury edges closer to boxing comeback

Despite talking up bouts with the likes of Tony Bellew, Eddie Hearn claimed that talks fell through with Fury because he wanted fights so easy that he would be 'crucified' for even promoting them.

And while that might be the case for his return in June, a development courtesy of none other than Shannon Briggs suggests Fury will be moving up the ranks as soon as September.

The former WBO and lineal heavyweight champion claimed in an interview with Fight Hub TV that the pair will exchange leather later this year and he even showed the texts to prove it.

Shannon Briggs claims he'll fight Fury in September

Briggs claimed during the interview: "He's been texting me all day, he's like: 'yo listen, I want to have a tune up in June,' and then he says he wants to fight me in September.

"I've got the texts here to prove it, I don't want anyone thinking I'm making it up.

"I've already got him beat. Look what he said, look at his first words: 'Hi champ!'

"He knows my name, he said 'Hi champ,' so he's already lost. Let's go champ, let's go champ, let's go champ."

Sadly, he didn't reveal the full details of the texts despite flashing his entire phone screen to the camera.

The fight certainly makes a lot of sense. Both fighters have spent time out of the game - Briggs hasn't fought since 2016 - and both have similar recent experiences outside the ring.

Furthermore, it would be a big name for Fury to stir up publicity once again while still appearing a comfortable fight for the 26-year-old with Briggs now deep into his forties. 

If nothing else, the fight needs to be made for the press conferences alone!

Who do you think would win - Briggs or Fury? Have your say in the comments section below.