By Michael Benson

Tyson Fury says he does think his much-anticipated second fight with Deontay Wilder will happen this year.

The pair’s first encounter last December proved to be one of the most thrilling heavyweight contests in recent years as the Brit twice climbed off the canvas to seemingly defeat the American, only for the judges to score it a draw.

Back in February, the ‘Gypsy King’ opted out of an ordered rematch and instead inked a co-promotional deal with Top Rank/ESPN.

He is now scheduled to have two lesser bouts – the first against Tom Schwarz on June 15, the second against an opponent to be confirmed on September 28 – and then wants to revisit Wilder.

Asked when he thought the rematch would take place, Fury told Behind The Gloves: “I think 2019. I think December we’re gonna see the rematch.

“We’re gonna see me kick his ass again. This time though, he won’t be able to live with me.

“I’d just had two little fight comebacks [before the first bout].

“I’ve [now] been back well over a year, I’m strong at the weight and I don’t have to lose any weight.

“He had his biggest opportunity of his life to beat me and he couldn’t do it.

“Never again will he have that opportunity of a Tyson Fury only 40 per cent of what he should be.

“After three years out the ring of drug and alcohol abuse, and mental health problems, and ten stone weight loss.

“And he still couldn’t beat me. How much better am I than these guys?”

Fury also made headlines earlier this week after stating in an interview that he would be ‘gone’ after his next three fights.

Many took this as a hint at an imminent retirement, however he has now clarified that this is absolutely not the case.

“I didn’t say retirement,” Fury explained, “I said I’d be gone. I said I was gonna have three fights and I’d be gone.

“I meant I’d be gone for the year and have some time off!

“I have a five-fight deal, so unless I’m gonna jack after three fights – I don’t think so!

“I’m only a young pup, I’ve only just started to come into my career – my second career.

“I’ve only had a few fights back so yeah, this is the fourth defence of my ‘lineal’ championship of the world.

“I’m really looking forward to it.

Article courtesy of Michael Benson & Talk Sport