London: Tyson Fury has given up his WBO and WBA world heavyweight titles ‘with immediate effect’ to concentrate on his ‘medical treatment and recovery’, said a statement released late Wednesday evening by his promoters Hennessy Sports.
The British boxer has admitted taking cocaine to deal with depression and was set to be stripped of his titles after cancelling two planned rematches this year against Ukrainian former champion Wladimir Klitschko.
“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,” Fury said in the statement.
“I won the titles in the ring and I believe that they should be lost in the ring, but I’m unable to defend at this time,” added the boxer.
Mick Hennessy, Fury’s promoter, said the decision was ‘heartbreaking’. Peter Fury, Tyson’s uncle and trainer, said: “Tyson will be back stronger from this (treatment) and I will make sure, no matter what we have to deal with, Tyson not only comes back but will reclaim what’s rightfully his.”
Fury had already withdrawn from a rematch, October 29 with Klitschko, because of mental health issues. He also cancelled their first planned rematch in July citing an ankle injury.
Agence France-Presse