Tyson Fury insists he is ‘ready to fight this weekend’, with Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder looming in distance

The former IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion has been inactive since defeating Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015

Tyson Fury says he is ready to return to the ring (Getty)

Tyson Fury has insisted he could be ready to fight this weekend as he edges closer to making his comeback.

The former IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion has been inactive since defeating Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 after the British Boxing Board of Control suspended his boxing licence, owing to “anti-doping and medical issues”.

That suspension was lifted in January, allowing him to explore a return to the ring, and he told Sky Sports: “I could probably fight this weekend. It's been a long time coming: I've been out for a long time. My ambition is to get into the ring again and get under those lights.

“I told them recently I want to get some baby oil on - shining, glistening, looking the part, I've lifted a few weights now - I used to call Joshua a 'body builder' but I'm starting to look like a body builder now.

“I've had some good news this morning, and want to announce it to the world, but I can't. Watch this space. I said I'm coming back this year, and I will.”

WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, of America, at the weekend made the latest defence of his title when stopping Luis Ortiz, and 29-year-old Fury added: “Whatever happens in his career, I want to fight him, because we've got unfinished business. I'll stop him, all 15st of him.”