TYSON FURY will today announce his comeback, expected to be June 9 at the Manchester Arena, after being out of the ring for two-and-a-half years, and set the wheels in motion for a potential superfight with Anthony Joshua in 2019.

An opponent is not expected to be named at today’s London press conference, hosted by promoter Frank Warren, which confirms the heavyweight’s return after the British Boxing Board of Control last week approved Fury’s application to have his boxing licence reinstated.

The former world champion, 29, has been out of the ring since November 2015 when he dethroned Wladimir Klitschko via 12-round decision in a huge upset.

Since defeating Klitschko with that virtuoso performance a lot has happened. Tyson Fury, whose records stands at 25-0 (18), was stripped of his IBF title in the immediate aftermath for agreeing to give Klitschko a return, and the WBA and WBO belts were also lost when details of depression, failed drug tests and cocaine use hit the headlines in 2016.

Tyson Fury
TRIGGER FOR DESPAIR: Fury has endured a taxing existence since this victory in 2015

Fury’s licence was suspended by the BBB of C, the rematch with Klitschko was canned, and Fury – who has struggled with depression throughout his life – descended into personal chaos of the highest order before getting himself back in shape this year.

Robert Smith, of the BBB of C, today confirmed to Boxing News that Fury’s boxing licence will be re-instated after he came through all the necessary tests “with flying colours.”

A backdated two-year ban, enforced by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), expired in December last year but whether they believed Fury’s reasoning that the banned steroid nandrolone ended up in his system as a consequence of eating “uncastrated wild boar” is unknown.

It is believed that Fury has lost seven stone (around 100lbs) since he’s been in camp, with reports of good form coming from his base at Ricky Hatton’s gym where he has been sparring the likes of Nathan Gorman and Lucas Browne, under the watchful eye of new trainer Ben Davison.

In Fury’s absence, Anthony Joshua has claimed the three belts (WBO, IBF and WBA) that Fury took from Klitschko in Dusseldorf.

Frank Warren last week told Boxing News that Fury would need “three or four fights” before their attention turns to a showdown with Anthony Joshua, who has claimed the three belts (WBO, IBF and WBA) that Fury took from Klitschko in Dusseldorf. Deontay Wilder, currently trying to secure a fight with Joshua himself, has remained the WBC champion.

“Until anyone beats Fury they cannot rightfully call themselves the world heavyweight champion because he didn’t lose his titles in the ring,” Warren added.

Fury’s first comeback opponent is expected to be a long way below the level that Joshua and Wilder have been operating on of late.

Boxing News will provide updates on Fury’s comeback throughout the day.