British heavyweight Tyson Fury made another successful return to the ring on Sunday morning (NZ time), easing past Francesco Pianeta on points to set up a blockbuster showdown with American Deontay Wilder.
After a nervy start, Fury used his superior speed and jab to control the contest on his way to a unanimous decision victory as his opponent-to-be Wilder watched on ringside.
It's the former WBO champion's second win in just over two months after a three-year hiatus due to medical and personal issues.
Following Fury's announcement as winner, the WBC champion climbed into the ring and the two squared off as promoter Frank Warren confirmed the bout was official.
"I'm knocking you the f**k out, bum," Fury shouted at Wilder.
Wilder, who had earlier gate-crashed the weigh-in, responded with a few taunts of his own.
"It is one thing that Tyson Fury has never had," said Wilder.
"He had many belts, but he's never had the WBC belt. And if he ever thinks about having this belt, he better wake up and apologise to me because he'll never have this.
"You've never been knocked out but you're going to feel the experience, what it feels to get hit by the Bronze Bomber."
A win for Wilder should put him in the frame for a much-anticipated bout against Anthony Joshua at Wembley in April.
Newshub.
