By Shaun Brown

Tyson Fury (26-0, 19 KOs) has confirmed that his team are in negotiations to agree a fight against WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (40-0, 39 KOs).

The ‘Gypsy King’ is deep into preparations for his second comeback fight, following a two-and-a-half-year absence from the sport, against Francesco Pianeta on August 18 at Windsor Park, Belfast. A card headlined by Carl Frampton’s defence of his WBO Interim Featherweight title against Luke Jackson which will be shown live on BT Sport in the UK.

Fury’s promoter Frank Warren told talkSPORT today (July 30) that they were trying to make the fight against Wilder for later in the year.

“First of all, we want to see what he looks like on the August 18. Hopefully he will come through it well but reports from the gym are that he’s looking well,” said Warren.

“Tyson, as he’s said himself, has been talking about Wilder in the last few weeks and it’s a fight I think the British fans would like to see.

“It wouldn’t happen in the autumn, if it happens it will be sometime in November or December.

“I’m pretty confident we can make it happen. It takes two to make a deal and if you really want to make a deal you will make it happen.”

Fury, 29, the lineal champion of the division confirmed via Twitter that a deal was almost done for the fight to take place in December.

“I won’t be overlooking Franceso Pianeta," he added.

"He’s going to give me the right fight and the right work to prepare me for Deontay Wilder. Got to flatten him first and then Wilder; let’s dance. You’ve been dealing with sh*thouses in the past with Eddie Hearn and [Anthony] Joshua. But I am a man of my word and if I say I’ll fight, I’ll fight you. End of. Prepare well, train hard, let’s get the deal done and when I knock Pianeta into next week I’m going to knock you spark out too. Good luck.”

Wilder and Fury memorable faced off against one another in the ring after the American had knocked out Polish opponent Artur Szpilka two years ago. Wilder has since defended his belt four times successfully against Chris Arreola, Gerald Washington, Bermane Stiverne and Luis Ortiz respectively.

Twitter @sbrown2pt0