Frank Warren has dismissed speculation that Tyson Fury will face Andy Ruiz Jr in his next bout, while confirming the heavyweight star is keen to return to the ring before a blockbuster showdown with Anthony Joshua.
Rumours had gathered pace in recent days after Fury posted a cryptic video on social media teasing "big news" while wearing a Mexico football shirt, prompting some fans to suggest Ruiz could be lined up as his next opponent.
But promoter Frank Warren has moved quickly to pour cold water on that theory.
Speaking to The Sun, the 74-year-old made clear that although Fury wants another fight before any long-anticipated Battle of Britain with Joshua, Ruiz is not under consideration.
"He will fight, he wants to fight - he's made that very clear," Warren said.
"He doesn't want to be back in the ring by November, which I think will be a gap of about seven or eight months.
Frank Warren has dismissed speculation that Tyson Fury will face Andy Ruiz Jr in his next bout, while confirming the heavyweight star is keen to return to the ring before a blockbuster showdown with Anthony Joshua
|PA
"He wants to fight, he doesn't want to be rusty again and he wants to get in there, but it won't be against Andy Ruiz."
When asked how likely it was that Fury would box again before facing Joshua, Warren replied: "I think there's a very, very good chance."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Five facts about boxing that fans might not know | GBNEWS/PAA return in August has been widely discussed, which would provide Fury with an opportunity to sharpen up before a potential meeting with Joshua later in the year.
The 37-year-old last fought in April, when he outpointed Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Joshua is also expected to take part in a comeback contest of his own.
The former two-time world champion is reportedly scheduled to face unbeaten heavyweight Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25.
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are due to fight later this year
| GETTYBoth camps appear eager to ensure their fighters enter any future showdown in peak condition.
A clash between Fury and Joshua has long been regarded as the biggest all-British fight boxing can offer and remains one of the most anticipated contests in the sport.
Joshua's last bout was against Jake Paul in December.
After a slow start, he knocked down the American in the sixth round. Whether he can repeat the feat against Fury remains to be seen.