WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker (24-0, 18 KOs) is thrilled with the looming ring return of former unified beltholder Tyson Fury (25-0, 18 KOs).

Fury has been out of the ring since November 2015, when he stunned Wladimir Klitschko with a big upset twelve round unanimous decision to capture the WBA, WBO, IBO, IBF world titles in Germany.

Next month, the British Boxing Board of Control are set to meet on the subject of Fury reclaiming his license to box - and most believe he will be approved.

The biggest issue was solved earlier this month, when Fury managed to end his issue with UK-Anti Doping, who claimed the boxer tested positive for a banned substance in early 2015. He accepted a back-dated two year ban and now he's free to return to the ring once he reclaims his license to box.

Fury has been a big supporter of Parker - and believes the New Zealand boxer will defeat current IBF, IBO, WBA champion Anthony Joshua - if the two finalize a deal to unify in early 2018.

The two have remained very close despite Parker's recent decision win over Tyson's cousin, Hughie Fury, back in September.

"I'm excited he's back. He's a character who brought a lot of interest to the division. He's another great fighter and now now that he's back it will be a lot more exciting, there will be a lot more fights to be made ... the heavyweight division is back," Parker said to Sky Sports.

Parker's head trainer, Kevin Barry, is also thrilled with the boxers return.

"It's fantastic news, we are thrilled for Tyson," Barry said.

"He has been a great supporter of Joseph Parker and our team and we are excited about seeing him in the ring in 2018. He is going to be very, very hard for anyone to beat. He puts  a lot of excitement and personality into the heavyweight division."

Fury has no retained a new trainer, he's working very hard in the gym and he's losing a lot of weight. If all goes to plan, he expects to return to the ring by April.