Tyson Fury vows to return in March 2018 as he shows Dereck Chisora how far he still is from fighting weight: 'I've been as fat as a pig, hairy as an animal, but still as hungry as a lion'

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Tyson Fury has admitted he is as 'fat as a pig, and as hairy as an animal' but insists he will be back in shape and as 'sexy as ever' by March next year — despite photos showing he is still well away from fighting weight.

The former world heavyweight champion has not fought since ending Wladimir Klitschko's long reign in Dusseldorf in November 2015.

Fury has announced on several occasions over the past year that he is planning a return to the ring — most recently on Tuesday.

Tyson Fury shows off his larger frame to former heavyweight foe Dereck Chisora on Friday

The former unified world champion grabs his love handles while out in Monaco this week

Fury has been out of the ring since his victory over Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 

But he has ballooned up in weight during his 23-month hiatus and on Friday he was pictured flaunting his bigger frame to former opponent Chisora.

'I've had two years out of the ring. Fat as a pig, hairy as an animal, but still as hungry as a lion,' Fury told told Sky Sports. 'You have two years out of the ring and it gives you that va-va-voom to get back in there and bust a few heads.

He added: 'I just want to talk boxing now. I'm not interested in politics, religion, or any other thing apart from fighting.

'That's what I do. Tyson Fury's the name and fighting's the game. I want to get them in front of me, line them all up, and I'll knock them all down. That's a promise.'

Excitement has been brewing for several months about a potential all-British mega fight between Fury and IBF and WBA champion Anthony Joshua.

The former heavyweight king believes the fight — which he claims will be one of the biggest fights in British boxing history — could take place next summer.

Fury and Chisora share a joke ahead of the latter's fight with Agit Kabayel in the principality

The former unified champion is lining up a summer 2018 showdown with Anthony Joshua

'Two unbeaten heavyweights, one unified champion, one lineal champion, both over six foot six tall, both over 18 stone. One nice guy, one bad man — it is what it is. I think the public are going to relish the thoughts of making this fight happen.

'I think next summer is ideal and realistic. I'm not going to do it in February or March, because obviously I'm not in shape. But I'll be back in shape by the time of March, April comes around. Back ripped, looking sexy as ever. A couple of sun beds, a haircut and a shave, I'll be back to my old self.'

Fury is currently in Monaco ahead for a packed night of boxing that includes Chisora's heavyweight showdown with Germany's Agit Kabayel.

And the former unified world champion, who claims to now weigh 25st, showed his old foe how far he is from fighting weight.

Fury was pictured grabbing his love handles and embracing Chisora, who he beat in both 2011 and 2014.

The two fighters embraced at Friday's weigh-in ahead of a packed bill of boxing in Monaco

Fury and Chisora are on better terms than when they met in the ring in both 2011 and 2014

Fury, who is still considered the lineal champion by Ring Magazine, is currently without a licence from the British Boxing Board of Control and the subject of an unresolved UK Anti-Doping hearing. 

But earlier this week Fury vowed to emulate Muhammad Ali in the 'Rumble in the Jungle' and return to the top of the sport.

Alongside a photograph of Ali and George Foreman, the 29-year-old wrote on Instagram: 'This is what's to come! The old champ coming back to fight a man who everyone thinks will KO me, same as Ali vs Foreman. The stylish Ali vs the mummy Foreman! 

'We all know what happens in this fight! I know you all got me whooped, but I will not lay down or be afraid of some muscles (and) I have the mentality of a winner a man who has never lost a fight. A true champion coming back to claim his thrown, 

'This is my era they are from my time, I must destroy them. AJ & Wilder I'm coming back for you pair my mission is seek & destroy the only thing on my mind is destruction who ever gets in my way will be dealt with accordingly.'

On Tuesday Fury posted a video of him running in which he said he would 'obliterate' Joshua

The self-styled 'Gypsy King' also posted a video of himself out running in which he thanked Wilder for giving him the 'motivation' to come back and promised to 'obliterate' Joshua.

'Guess who's back... the one and only! A shout going out to the big Bronze Bomber Deontay Wilder,' he said. 'Big respect for giving me the motivation, telling me I can't do it and I'm finished

'I'm coming back for you baby, I'm coming back for you. I'm going to fulfil that promise I made to you a few years ago, you know what I'm talking about. And I'm coming back for the big stiff man (Joshua), the man who struggled with a midget (Carlos Takam).

'Why would he want to be in with the gypsy king? 6ft 9ins, 18-and-a-half stone, in shape, fast, I'll obliterate you boy!'