Wednesday 30 May 2018 06:46, UK
Tyson Fury says he is preparing for his eagerly-anticipated comeback against Sefer Seferi as if it is a world title fight.
Fury (25-0-KO18) returns to action after a two-and-a-half-year absence from the ring against Seferi at the Manchester Arena on June 9.
Seferi (23-1-KO21) has spent most of his career at cruiserweight but has only tasted defeat once in 24 fights - a points loss to current WBA 'world' heavyweight champion Manuel Charr in September 2016. Anthony Joshua holds the WBA 'super' belt.
The 39-year-old is a huge underdog heading into the fight, but Fury insists he will not be underestimating him.
Fury said: "I'm taking him deadly serious. This is a world title fight for me. Every one of these people who come to fight me are challenging me for my lineal heavyweight status.
"I think he's good, I think he's good enough. Any man who's had 24 fights and only lost one on points and never been knocked out can't be a pushover.
"Try punching someone and knocking them out, it's quite hard. He will be able to punch no doubt. A chin is a chin and if he hits me on mine, I'll go over clearly.
"But if I'm as good as I think I am, I should beat him comfortably. If I'm useless, I'll lose and you can't say fairer than that."
Fury says Seferi was selected as his opponent because of his durability, adding he needs to be tested after a lengthy period of inactivity.
"These Albanian fellas are very, very tough," Fury said. "That's why I picked someone who is very tough.
"I need the rounds because I've been out for a long time.
"I need rounds. I don't need a knockout after 10 seconds. I need someone who's tough, can take the punches and who can keep coming forward and put me under pressure."
