In what will be Tyson Fury's second bout since a two-and-a-half year lay-off, Francesco Pianeta has been confirmed as the opponent of the Gypsy King for the undercard bout at Windsor Park on August 18.

The 29-year-old made a return to the ring last month in an anti-climatic fight with Sefer Seferi, who pulled out after four rounds, and Fury's promoter Frank Warren believes Pianeta provides a much better competition.

"The Seferi fight is history and Pianeta is a far better operator than him. His level of opposition tells you that."

The 33-year-old German-Italian is a two-time world title challenger and former European champion, with a record of 35-4-1, with 21 knockouts, and will look to take Fury through to late rounds.

"He needs rounds under his belt before moving on to the next level and this fight will make him work for his win. I'm sure Pianeta will get into that ring desperate to upset Tyson," Warren suggested.

Pianeta fought Wladimir Klitschko back in 2013 in a title fight, and the Ukrainian defended his four belts at the time with a sixth-round knockout, but not without respect and bravery for his opponent.

Speaking after the fight, Klitschko said: "I want to thank my opponent. There are a lot of challengers who talk a lot, but he got in the ring and fought bravely.

"After the battle he has had against cancer, he deserves respect.

"He tried everything to hit me. If he had landed one of his big punches, I wouldn't have got up."

Fury has received the promise of securing a taller fighter, as Pianeta stands 6'5" and boxing fans will be hoping to see a more competitive clash against the southpaw seasoned heavyweight in the undercard fight to Carl Frampton v Luke Jackson.

One step at a time, but it looks like Fury is certainly on the right path.