Tyson Fury's return to the ring is growing closer after the British Boxing Board of Control urged the former heavyweight champion to book in a date to continue his anti-doping hearing.
The 29-year-old hasn't fought since claiming three world titles against Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015.
"The Gypsy King" had his hearing with United Kingdom Anti Doping adjourned in May and BBBofC chairman Robert Smith admitting they would like the charismatic boxer back In the ring in 2018.
Speaking with Sky Sports UK, Smith said the ball is now in the court of the Fury's to bring an end to his suspended drugs ban.
"It's quite simple, Fury's legal team need to agree a date," Smith said.
"We are ready to go. UKAD do all our anti-doping for us, they have an independent panel that is dealing with the case and we are trying to get a date finalised."
"But we are unable to do so because they [Fury's legal team] haven't confirmed one."
Fury was quick to respond, thanking the board for giving him the green light to return to action.
Smith said with the current state of the heavyweight division being as strong as it has been for 20-years the addition of Fury to the mix is desirable should he be in the right shape both physically and mentally.
"Of course we want it done. We are as frustrated as anybody else, because I get questions about Fury on a regular basis, but ultimately it is up to them," he said.
"We are ready to go, UKAD are ready to go on our behalf, and the independent panel are waiting for a confirmed date. It's up to them now."
"We want Tyson Fury to come back fit and healthy, in the right circumstances," he said.
"At present time, he has a few things going on, so he needs those things resolved. Once they're resolved and he is a position to do so, we want to make sure he's healthy.
"But if we are able to consider him boxing again, we want that to happen."
Fury is a desired 2018 opponent for Anthony Joshua who recently retained his IBF and WBO heavyweight titles against Carlos Takam in Cardiff.
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn said ideally the two would meet in the British summer next year if Fury gets the all-clear.
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