• Heavyweight

Fury ready to face experienced Basile

Tyson Fury is looking forward to what he hopes will be an action-packed 2014 © PA Photos

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Tyson Fury will fight Gonzalo Omar Basile on his return to the ring at the Copperbox Arena on February 15.

Fury has not fought since April last year, when he defeated Steve Cunningham on his American bow, and was left frustrated after two potential fights with rival David Haye were cancelled due to 'The Hayemaker' opting to undergo surgery.

Undefeated Fury was recently confirmed to appear on the undercard of Dereck Chisora's European heavyweight title fight at the Stratford venue, following his decision to sign a promotional deal with Boxnation.

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The Brit is also targeting a world title fight and a possible rematch with Chisora, who he beat in 2011, in 2014.

However, first he must negotiate veteran Basile, who has won 61 of his 70 fights as a professional. Basile, 39, has scored 28 knockouts and is unbeaten in his last six bouts, but Fury is confident he will send his opponent to the canvas.

"It's been a while, but I'm looking forward to getting in the ring again and showing the world that Tyson Fury is back in action and on course for the world title," Fury said.

"I wouldn't say that rust has set in because I haven't fought, I'm always training and in the gym sparring, but I'm now desperate to get in the ring at the Copper Box Arena in front of a big electric crowd and do what I was born and bred to do, fight and win.

"Basile looks good, he's experienced with 70 fights and has fought in plenty of title fights. He's seen a lot in his career against the likes of Alexander Dimitrenko and Artur Szpilka, but he's never seen a man like Tyson Fury before.

"He's just a few inches shorter than me which is great because I've been fighting shorter men, he'll be near my height and once I work out the range and timing, those big right hands will be detonating on his jaw."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd