Tyson Fury announces return to the ring on 5 December

Fury is now set for his first fight in the UK since beating Francesco Pianeta in Belfast in August 2018 and will pave the way for him to then take on Anthony Joshua next year

Tyson Fury will fight ahead of a possible showdown with Anthony Joshua next year (PA)

Tyson Fury has announced he will fight in London on 5 December and will confirm his opponent "very, very soon".

Fury's third heavyweight showdown against Deontay Wilder had been set for 19 December. However, the deadline was reportedly missed because of television commitments and difficulties securing the venue in Las Vegas.

Saturday's announcement means Fury is now set for his first fight in the UK since beating Francesco Pianeta in Belfast in August 2018 and will pave the way for him to then take on Anthony Joshua next year.

"I would just like to announce that I am definitely fighting December 5 in London, opponent to be announced very, very soon," Fury said in a video posted on his social media channels.

"(We are) just working on some opponents and will let you all know who it is going to be shortly. Watch this space." 

Joshua is also set to fight in December, against Bulgaria's Kubrat Pulev. If both Britons win they will move on towards a unification bout, the terms of which have already been agreed in principle.

PA