Morecambe's Tyson Fury already has Deontay Wilder in his long-term sights

Tyson Fury spars in the ring during a workout at Ricky Hatton's gym

Fury, who takes on Italian Pianeta at Belfast’s Windsor Park on August 18 in the second fight of his comeback, said on social media on Monday that he was in talks with WBC heavyweight champion Wilder.

He added: “Negotiations are very strong for December, we’re almost done for this deal.”

He also said that, having beaten Pianeta, he would knock Wilder out, and suggested the contest would take place in either New York or Las Vegas.

When asked on Tuesday how confident he was about the fight being made, Fury said: “Confident it’s done. I have just got to beat  Pianeta first, and then I’ll fight Wilder next.”

Fury was then asked about being ready to defeat Wilder if he did face him in December, and the 29-year-old said: “I was born ready in 1988.

“We’re going on a road trip. I’ve been to America before – conquered Steve Cunningham in New York in 2013. I’m going back to conquer again.”

Negotiations between Wilder and Fury’s fellow Brit Anthony Joshua – the WBA, WBO and IBF champion – have stalled, but the hope has been that they could fight in April 2019. Joshua takes on Alexander Povetkin in September.

Fury (26-0, 19 KOs) in June fought for the first time since the November 2015 victory over Wladimir Klitschko in Germany that saw him claim the three major world titles  Joshua now holds.

His return bout, after being sidelined by personal issues and an anti-doping case, was a contest with elements of farce, which ended with his Albanian opponent Sefer Seferi being pulled out after four rounds.

Ahead of facing Pianeta (35-4-1, 21 KOs), Fury took part in a media workout at Ricky Hatton’s gym in Manchester, during which he wore, along with a T-shirt, what appeared to be black and white underpants, and said he feels “fantastic”.

He also claimed: “Joshua is afraid of Wilder”, and said when asked if he would be thinking of facing the former after the latter: “Any fights. I’m not really too bothered. They’re only boxers with a pair of gloves on.”

Fury added: “I think  Wilder is slightly in front of Joshua at the moment.

“He is 40 and 0. Joshua has only had 21 fights. Wilder is more seasoned. He is a better champion.”