Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that Tyson Fury's next opponent will be announced this week, setting up an interim bout before a potential blockbuster fight later this year.
Warren told Sky Sports on Sunday that the heavyweight champion will face a credible challenger in a stepping-stone match to stay active.
Interim Bout Required Before Joshua Showdown
Both Fury and Anthony Joshua must win their respective summer fights to secure a highly anticipated undisputed heavyweight clash scheduled for November.
"We'll hopefully be in a position to announce it next week," Warren said, adding that the opponent will provide a legitimate test.
"He can't afford to slip up, because obviously AJ's got his fight in a few weeks' time," Warren noted.
Fury last fought in April, defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Warren emphasized the importance of the interim bout: "So keep watching this space, and it'll be a good opponent - it'll be good for him."
The promoter also confirmed that Joshua's fight is imminent, and both must emerge victorious for the November showdown to proceed.
"[Joshua's] got to come through that, Tyson has to come through his, and then the big one will be in November," Warren said.
Itauma to Face Top-10 Heavyweight
In addition to Fury's update, Warren revealed that rising prospect Moses Itauma will fight a top-10 ranked heavyweight on a Manchester card.
"Moses [Itauma] is fighting up in Manchester, we're going to announce it," Warren said.
"He's fighting a top 10 heavyweight, we expect to get the fight we want to make over the line.
Again, a great heavyweight fight," he added.
Itauma is being fast-tracked toward a future world title opportunity, with management expecting a strong performance.
