Tyson Fury gives up his titles to focus on his mental health
Boxer has been self-medicating depression with cocaine
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 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 when I defeated the long-standing champion Wladimir Klitschko,” Fury said in the statement released late Wednesday.
“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.”
Mick Hennessy, Fury’s promoter, said the decision was “heartbreaking”.