Could 2017 see two big heavyweight comebacks? While nobody knows if and when Tyson Fury might box again, fans hope his return will happen, and next year. But one man who says he will definitely take over where he left off with a return next year is WBC champ Deontay Wilder, who of course is aching to get it on with Fury.

While a Wilder-Fury fight might not take place next year (we all hope it will happen, naturally) Wilder says he fully expects he will fight again before too many months have passed in 2017. Speaking with Sky Sports, the unbeaten champ said the injuries he picked up in his last fight, a July stoppage win over the tough (and hard-headed) Chris Arreola, have “fully healed,” and that he is back “punching with both hands.”

“Everything is good,” Wilder, 37-0(36) said. “I’m in full training again, using both hands. Everything’s looking good so I can’t wait to get back into the ring. I’m able to punch with both hands, for sure. It’s been a long healing process but I’m ahead of schedule – I’m a fast healer because I’ve been an athlete all my life. Sometime early next year, I’ll be ready to go.”

Arguably the most exciting heavyweight on the scene today (not the best, perhaps, just the most exciting) Wilder’s return to action will likely be a pretty hot ticket – especially if “The Bronze Bomber” chooses a live opponent to launch his return against. The big fight for Wilder in 2017 will be the mandated defence against the winner of the December fight between Alexander Povetkin and Bermane Stiverne, but the comeback fight could be against anyone from Hughie Fury to the Deerck Chisora-Dillian Whyte winner.

Either way, with the massive fights awaiting him, it will be good to see Wilder back dong what he does best: try his best to render his challenger unconscious whilst putting himself at risk at the same time!