Tyson Fury is preparing to relinquish his WBA and WBO world heavyweight title belts while he plots his return to boxing, which could be in six months, according to his uncle and trainer Peter Fury.
Fury, 28, recently tested positive for cocaine, which the boxer said he was taking to aid the depressive states he suffers. He subsequently withdrew from his rematch with the man he took the titles from last November, Ukraine’s Wladimir Klitschko, which was scheduled for October 29th in Manchester. Fury’s team later disclosed that the boxer was ‘medically unfit’ to box.
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) is meeting on October 12th when they will look at Fury’s case and decide on what further action to take.
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Peter Fury gave an insight on Sportsweek into his nephew’s current state of mind, saying that his nephew was being treated for a form of manic depression, but predicted Tyson would be back in the gym and on-course to resume his career next year.
“I see him being back in the gym in March or April. He’ll resume his career,” said Fury’s uncle.
“He has everything to live for but it seems he is on a self-destruct mission. I don’t think he has got a drug addiction at all. Whatever he has taken will be a result of the depression.
Because of Fury’s medical condition, there is the chance he could be declared the “Champion in recess”. This means that other ranked boxers can challenge for his belts while he is unable to fight. But on his return he can immediately challenge whoever is holding his old belts at the time. This is an option that Peter Fury agrees with for the sake of the heavyweight crown.
“The titles shouldn’t be held up. added Peter. “While Tyson is out for medical reasons, the titles should be freed up.”
We wish Tyson a speedy recovery and a quick return to boxing.
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