The wait is almost over, as Tyson Fury will get to unleash over two-and-a-half years of frustration out when he steps into the ring at the Manchester Arena this evening.

Fury will go toe-to-toe with Swiss fighter Sefer Seferi in his first fight since dethroning Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015, and it really has been a long time coming for the Manchester-born giant.

Struggles with drugs, alcohol and depression have seen Fury at his lowest as he piled on the pounds, but after losing over seven stone in the past eight months, 'The Furious One' looks in tip-top shape to return to the ring.

It will be interesting to see if Fury still has the sharpness and speed that was so unique for a man of his height that he possessed when taking Klitschko's world titles nearly three years ago.

Judging from a video released by BT Sport last week from an open workout, he's still got it, but anything can happen in a one-on-one bout under pressure.

Seferi though is seen as a stepping stone opponent for Fury, who is looking for some big fights come 2019 as he looks to reclaim the belts that he technically never lost.

Liverpool-born heavyweight Alex Dickinson, who boasts an unbeaten 5-0 record as a professional and clashes with David Howe on the undercard for Fury-Seferi, has been sparring recently with Gypsy King and has unlimited praise for the former world champion's recovery.

"I’ve learned a lot from Tyson. I can’t believe how someone that big can do everything he can do," gushed Dickinson.

"Normally a heavyweight has a strength – box on the inside or stay at range etc – but he can genuinely do everything.

"I’ve boxed many rounds with him. They were good spars. I felt a bit better by the end of it because I’d learned so much. It was absolutely eye-opening.

"He gave me a bloody nose but it was a learning experience. He’s unbelievable.

“Getting put under pressure by someone that big, that size, trying to keep the range when he’s got all that height and keeping your head out of the way is perfect preparation. It was amazing."

Dickinson also commended Fury's character in and out of the ring after his past struggles, and he believes the bigger names in the heavyweight division will be anxious as he steps back in the ring.

"He’s a gentleman as well. How people see him on social media and on TV is exactly how he is in real life. There’s no act," said Dickinson.

"He’s an inspiration with what he’s done boxing-wise and how he acts. He treats everyone the same. He doesn’t change for the cameras.

"The weight is coming off Tyson and he’s licking his lips looking at the world title holders."

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder better watch out, because Tyson is back.