Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has confirmed that his next fight will take place in London on December 5 against an as yet unnamed opponent.
The announcement scuppers hopes of a third fight against Deontay Wilder, for the time being at least, after the Briton handed the American his first pro defeat in February with a seventh-round stoppage in Las Vegas to win the WBC title.
"I'd just like to announce that I'm definitely fighting on December 5 in London in the UK," Fury said in a video posted on Twitter. "Opponent to be announced very, very soon.
"I am just working on some opponents and will let you all know who it's going to be shortly."
Fury has not fought in the UK since August 2018, with his past four bouts taking place in the US.
His third bout with Wilder was slated for July this year and later aimed at October before plans emerged for a December fight in the US.
However, Fury said earlier this month that he had moved on from facing Wilder in a rematch, moving a step closer to a possible meeting with IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO champion Anthony Joshua for the undisputed world heavyweight title.
Big announcement The Gypsyking is back in Uk 🇬🇧 December 5 London opponent tbc
— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) October 24, 2020
Can’t wait to get back in the ring and get back to what I do best. 🥊 2020#Returnofthemac@WBCBoxing @frankwarren_tv @trboxing @btsportboxing @espn @MTKGlobal @wowhydrate @MarbellaUk @goldstar pic.twitter.com/MQ6KhZ0K0J
Joshua is due to defend his IBF, WBA and WBO titles against Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev at London O2 Arena a week after Fury's next bout.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said in June that Fury and Joshua had agreed financial terms for a two-fight deal with the first slated for the summer of 2021.
