TYSON FURY called Francis Ngannou, UFC heavyweight champion, after he said that he could be back in the octagon before the end of this year.
Ngannou (34), has been out of action for a while since January, after undergoing knee surgery following his victory over Ciryl Ganes.
Francis Ngannou was seen in the ring back in April with Tyson Fury
The Cameroonian is being linked to Fury in lucrative boxing matches amid contract negotiations with the UFC.
After Dillian Whyte's victory at Wembley in April, Ngannou was seen in the Ring with the Gypsy King.
His contract with the UFC, the premier promotion in mixed martial arts, is due to expire this summer. The UFC has failed to offer him a new contract.
Fury was amused that he had rowed back from Fury's fight and admitted that he could be back at the octagon before the end 2022.
More Boxing stories
The Gypsy King wrote on social media: "Thought you wanted some smoke @francis_ngannou
"Lets do a propper fight! Wembley Stadium 2022."
Ngannou replied in less than an hour, writing: "Don’t you dare to think that I take your eyes out of me. You are still my priority!
"I'm coming to all the smoke 
. 2023."
Then he added, "What do YOU mean by "PROPER" fight?" Because I'm a fighter and can do it a la carte because you can't manage it all 
Fury, 33, responded: "Bring on big boy. You wouldn't last round me muscles @francis_ngannou
Ngannou answered TMZ's question about a possible opponent and said, "You know, for now, let's fight to get the situation sorted out."
"And then, when I will be near the return, we'll see where the landscape at because there are many things that can happen."
Ngannou is not giving up on a contract extension. However, UFC president Dana White refuses to rule out the possibility that both parties could reach an agreement.
More Information on Seconds Away
The Underground was told by the veteran promoter: "It's still the same as before, there's no lost cause." It's all business, and we'll watch how it turns out.
"We have Francis with his knee right now, we're waiting for that, gonna wait to see how long that takes."
