Tyson Fury Losses Boxing License, Forfeits Heavyweight Belts

According to his promoters, the 28-year-old boxer was giving up his WBO and WBA belts with immediate effect to focus on treatment and recovery from drug use and other personal problems.

The British boxer is under further investigation into “anti-doping and medical issues” after withdrawing from his scheduled rematch with Wladimir Klitschko for the second time after being declared “medically unfit”.

He has not fought since beating Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 and has twice withdrawn from rematches.

“I’m unable to defend at this time and I have taken the hard and emotional decision to now officially vacate my treasured world titles and wish the next in-line contenders all the very best as I now enter another big challenge in my life which I know, like against Klitschko, I will conquer,” Fury said in Thursday’s statement.

“I feel that it is only fair and right and for the good of boxing to keep the titles active and allow the other contenders to fight for the vacant belts that I proudly won and held as the undefeated heavyweight champion of the world,” he said.

Fury recently failed a drug test and said he was taking cocaine to battle depression.

He will now have to meet with the British Boxing Board of Control before a decision is taken on whether he can fight again.

Fury’s uncle and trainer, Peter Fury, believes the former champion still has a future in the sport.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: “Once he produces all of his records of what he’s been through, then I don’t think the boxing board will have any option but to give him his licence back.

“This is a guy that’s needed medical treatment. Once the powers that be say he’s fit to box, then there’s no reason why he can’t be reinstated.

“He’s at the pinnacle of his career. He’s only 28. He’s got a massive future.”

Peter Fury also claimed that the World Heavyweight Champion would be “welcomed with open arms” by the boxing world once he does decide to return.