Former heavyweight boxing king Tyson Fury says he's the fittest he has ever been despite missing several years of in-ring competition.
Last week it was announced that Fury would be making his return to the ring this June after more than two-and-a-half years away from the squared circle. Fury has teamed up with promoter Frank Warren and will face an opponent yet to be announced on June 9th.
Fury's deal with Warren is a multi-fight deal and he will have his first fight back at the Manchester Arena.
Back in 2016 the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) suspended Fury's license citing anti-doping and medical issues. Now the 29-year-old is free to return to the ring and attempt to reclaim the heavyweight crown.
The suspension was lifted in January following medical testing and Fury says he's ready to "claim what is rightfully mine" (quotes via Boxing Scene):
"I'm the fittest I've ever been. Timing, reflexes, everything is better than it's ever been. I kid you not," he added.
"Everything is still there. I'm 29 years old, coming into the prime of my life, I'm stronger and faster, holding more muscle mass than ever. I'm more confident looking at the competition."
Fury's last outing saw him defeat the legendary Wladimir Klitschko; ending his undefeated streak to capture the IBF, WBA, IBO and WBO championships in November of 2015.
He was later stripped of the IBF belt before relinquishing the WBA, IBO and WBO straps himself. Now Anthony Joshua holds those titles and is hoping to add the WBC title to his collection in a potential clash with Deontay Wilder.
Recently Fury addressed a possible fight with Anthony Joshua, who he believes wouldn't be able to hold a candle to him inside the ring:
"It's going to be an easy fight, no contest," he said of a potential match-up with the champion. "He is looking for one punch all night. Anybody who can move a little bit, and throw feints, he struggles with. He can't land.
What are your thoughts on Fury's comments regarding his where his fitness is at at this point of his fighting career? Do you think that Fury is going to be in peak shape for his fight this summer? And how do you think he'll fare against the likes of Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder? Let us know your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below!
Do YOU want to write for GiveMeSport? Get started today by signing-up and submitting an article HERE: http://gms.to/writeforgms